Now that festive season is over, compassion, generosity is in short supply, life is back to normal for those down-trodden, neglected rough sleepers who were fortunate to be allocated roof over their heads during festive season. They are back on the streets in this bitterly cold weather.
Having volunteered our time and devoted our services in the cause of looking after these unfortunate destitute in the past when we were young, caring, ambitious, full of enthusiasm and heart filled with noble ideas to turn this country into a heaven of justice, equality, peace and harmony, it is indeed sad day for us to acknowledge that while our living standard has drastically improved but at the same time “Have Not” population has trebled, with some 9000 people sleeping rough in our streets and 120,000 children in temporary accommodation, so often the whole family cramped into one bedroom.
Every politician promises to abolish homelessness at election time but conveniently fails to act once in power. Sometimes I cannot help but wonder whether ordinary people like us could do a better job than these seasoned politicians living in their “Ivory Tower” with one eye on building their vote-bank for the next election.
It is time for the government to change their direction, from being charitable overseas to being kind and caring at home, by building permanent shelters in every town so that no one is obliged to sleep rough.
Funding should be no problem, as our “Overseas Aid” budget is overflowing with extra cash that we are unable to spend wisely.
I would like to urge every reader of this prestigious, influential and widely read AV/GS to write to their MPs to eradicate this scourge of homelessness ASAP.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
