Nobody addressing the vagrancy problem

THE EDITOR: Once again I find it necessary to highlight the vagrancy/destitute scourge that currently engulfs downtown Port of Spain in particular. The sad reality is such that, if you walk along Independence Square between George and Abercromby streets at any given time of day, you are likely to encounter a myriad of beggars. They range from meek impoverished mothers with young babies to absurd bezonians that reek of urine and curse your mother for not meeting their demands for a dollar or food. I write with authority since I work downtown and hasten to add that it’s especially bad if you happen to wear a tie or simply be perceived to have more than a dollar to spare. If I were to give a dollar to every person that asks me in one week, I would be a pauper myself.

What is even more amazing is how accepting passersby have become when side stepping a street sleeper, how tolerant we are when holding our breaths to keep out their trade mark of foul air. But what’s unforgivable is the impotency and irresponsibility of every Government thus far to effectively address this issue. The vagrancy situation is a sore that has been festering for far too long without any significant remedial action on the horizon. I have observed Cruise Ship tourists scoffing in the shadow of a slow walking dirt-ridden beggar. The visitors said nothing but their frowns screamed, “Let’s get out of here now!” At this rate, everybody knows that TT achieving first world status by 2020 is “pie in the sky.” I cannot recall of a practical plan to at least minimise vagrancy in this country.

In 1999, the then UNC Government barely scratched the surface as the thinking was to “clean up” the city for the staging of the Miss Universe Pageant “a quick fix.” Since then, every relevant authority has seemingly lacked the tenacity, competence and caring to champion this plight.  A resolution is not easy to come by, as it would first involve the business of rounding up, which proved to be a daunting task in 1999.  Next would come the provision of medical aid, mental assessments, counseling, education and an appropriately equipped shelter. Phase two of a likely resolve is in the long-term undertaking of plugging the flow of new members to the ill-reputed fraternity.

This can only be achieved by proper upbringing, which encompasses sound family breeding and a good education system, two critical aspects that ensure marketability for a job and life in general. In my estimation, the fact that the entire exercise would be tedious is the likely reason for its present “put on hold” status. Indeed, the Government has a major role to play here, and so, it is high time that a budget provides for this dilemma. Yet again, people in high places are not doing their jobs.    

DEXTER J RIGSBY
Mt Lambert