The Editor, Sir:

The other day I was in traffic at a stoplight when I noticed a transient man in his early to mid 50s sitting by the side of the road. He seemed to be taking a rest and watching the world go by. In the crowd he noticed a man walking 10 or so metres away and to my surprise he called out on the top of his voice to the man, who he obviously did not know from Adam... "Oy sah ... wahaapn ... help mi out wid a lunch money nuh ... ?" The man ignored him and continued on his way. The beggar only slightly put off, hissed his teeth and for the benefit of all who had heard his request said, "A wah do him eeeeeh? Him a gwaan like him no hear mi ... a eeeediat dat."

Now, I grew up in Jamaica in the 1960s and it was a different country back then. Begging was reserved for those truly "in need". They begged, but were not proud of the fact. They had no alternative. Their faces were dejected and it was obvious they would prefer not to have to resort to that means of survival.

Viable alternative

What a different Jamaica I am living in today. Begging is now seen as a viable alternative when it comes to "earning" an income. It seems there is no shame in begging whatsoever! The other day I was entering a major public hospital in the Corporate Area and upon arriving at the gate I slowed to collect a car pass. The security guard approached me and greeted me with the card and said, "Wah you a seh artist? Whaapn? Do something fi mi inna di day yah nuh ... ?" I was flabbergasted. How could he think I would consider him worthy of a handout when all around him there are unemployed people and they were not begging me anything? I was embarrassed for him.

Is this the the new low to which the pride of our people has sunk? Professional begging by the employable and employed!?

I guess when they see how much dollars they can "earn" in a day of begging then why not? I wish it weren't so.

I am, etc.,

BILLY WILMOT

billymystic@yahoo.com

Kingston 2