More serious efforts needed to cure vagrancy

THE EDITOR: The greatest resource in this world of ours is the human resource. It was the crowning joy of the creation, and all other things created were placed at its disposal. The scenario becomes a tragic pity, however, when the divinely appointed resource lies filthy, often emaciated, generally unwashed, and weather-beaten, tattered of mind and attire, on a grimy pavement, park bench, or in a drain, as hundreds of busy feet skirt any contact or responsibility. At times, fleeing feet must escape the irrationality of threatened or actual violence of “les miserables” to whom, on occasion, nothing, nowhere, and no one is sacred... or safe.

Yet, strange and illogical as it seems, we pay more attention to our badly kept roads than to our vagrants, whose numbers are increasing, and for whom we avoid responsibility, even though they are our sisters and brothers. Which is more important — our energy resources, or the smelly, scruffy, often disoriented, dirt-caked souls in Tamarind Square or Woodford Square? How ironical that Independence Square, a place of pride, is so thickly peopled with the destitute and the abandoned, in whom pride is dashed! Clearly it is an untenable situation, not at all in keeping with our nation’s civilised, caring ways and aspirations, and out of sync with the teaching which states that attending to the least among us, is in fact loving and honouring our Maker Himself.

Medical and psychological care are the minimum we can provide for our dispossessed. This requires state initiative. Starting with those most in need, medical teams should be examining vagrants on a continuous basis, diagnosing, dispensing, cleaning, and hospitalising where necessary using existing wards, or new locations as existing facilities are already cramped. Rehabilitation in cases of substance use and abuse, will need to be appropriately conducted. But of course there’s more to rehabilitation than trying to kick a drug habit. It needs replacing with positive values, aims and skills which need not only to be imparted, but tailored to patternable needs. Rehabilitation centres would be needed — homes where vagrants can be counselled and schooled.

Restoring their self-esteem and purpose, would be of critical importance... even when there are instances of recidivism. Not every vagrant will wish to be examined and treated, but once it appears that medical and psychological care is ongoing, there is likely to be a reduction in numbers resisting. In addition to comforting the afflicted, the medical teams will be able to perform psychological research on such questions as why people succumb to vagrancy. Data should include comprehensive profiling of each individual’s background, places of residence, family background, schooling, adult life, religious affiliations, etc. 

Is there a genetic cause of vagrancy? Do social, domestic, and job pressures play roles? Is there a trigger we should all be aware of, and know how to recognise, and avoid? Just as importantly — is vagrancy a single ailment, or are there many kinds? Knowledge will go a long way in defining and remedying this growing epidemic of lost, homeless souls. Many worthy persons and groups go to loving extents feeding and housing our vagrants but clearly this is not enough. More serious and structured efforts are called for by the State, if vagrancy is to be significantly reduced, or cured.

LLOYD CARTAR
Port-of-Spain