Ja: Standing up like a man

Give praise and thanks for the Jamaican government that is being a big brother to Haitians in need of help.

JAMAICA HAS signalled that it will give humanitarian assistance and considers itself legally obligated to the Haitians arriving here, as they flee political violence that has killed dozens in their strife-torn country.

On Monday, the Cabinet will consider recommendations arising out of a multi-agency think tank session held yesterday to devise strategies to address the current situation concerning the treatment of arriving Haitians.

Does it get any better than this?

Minister of Information Burchell Whiteman said that "there were no details about the cost of the collaborative effort between the ministries and the agencies", but suggested that the cost of the humanitarian effort was immaterial.

"When your neighbour is in trouble, you have to do something," Minister Whiteman said.

"...don't know how many persons we will be dealing with it, and deal with the situation as it arises."

In years to come, when Haiti is on its feet, God willing that the Haitians remember Jamaica should she ever be in need.