Letters

Keeping Haitians in check

THE EDITOR,Madam:

It is time all Jamaicans like myself become concerned about the continuing influx of Haitians coming unchecked into the country, thus creating a problem for the government. They are fleeing their country ostensibly as political refugees, but it is more for economic reasons. Everyone knows that it is the same thing they do, try to get to the tip of Florida and from there they spread themselves in all parts of America.

It is true that there is some degree of instability in that nation, but this is as far back as history recorded when there were assassinations. But at present, there are no compelling reasons for them to be coming. The government must take appropriate action expeditiously and have them returned as it would appear Jamaica's generosity is now being exploited. The existing situation is already a cost burden and it certainly must not reach crisis level. No doubt the favourable treatment they are getting is receiving back to Haiti and that is prompting others to take the risk to head to Jamaica.

When Jean Bertand Aristide, the deposed president had to flee, he and his family were temporarily housed in Jamaica on humanitarian grounds and that cost the government a considerable sum.

Our economy is not in the best shape to take care of our indigenous people and to take on added responsibility of taking care of the current wave of Haitians arriving on our shores would be unwise indeed. In this context, repatriation of them seems to be in order as soon as it is practicable, and that will send the message to the others who are thinking to make the odyssey. Speedier action by the government is definitely needed.

I am, etc.,

DAVID A. SAMMS

842 East 55th Street

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11234, USA