Too many beggars

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There are too many beggars throughout the city of Kingston. The Government of Jamaica must deal with this troubling reality fast, in a humane, holistic and honourable way. Windscreen wipers may be seen hustling, in the hopes of being given ‘a money’ at traffic lights throughout the city.

Some persons beg in supermarkets and in plazas throughout Kingston.

It is a sad spectacle. The Church, charitable organisations and some concerned citizens are doing their part, but it is not enough. And it will never be enough, because poverty is a monster that keeps recruiting more citizens every day.

It seems to me that the Government needs to establish some sort of accredited training facility for beggars who fall within the 18- to 55-year-old age group. There, skills like welding, auto mechanics, carpentry, masonry, plumbing and barbering would be taught over a set period of time. Accompanying incentives, such as a reasonable weekly stipend of, say, $10,000, along with meals and accommodation, could be offered/given to attendees.

In line with an established public-private sector partnership, graduates of the programme would be awarded a certificate and, subsequently, be given jobs within the public and private sectors. The Government could further incentivise the arrangement by offering reduced taxes and/or reduced customs duties on imported goods for participating entities who hire these workers on a full- or part-time basis.

P ATRICK GALLIMORE