Hi neighbour! Really now! What are we going to do about all those young people who are being managed by their genitals? A troubling query, eh? The question comes to mind as letters and calls, from young mothers seeking support for their five or six children, flood our office on a weekly basis. In some cases the fathers of these children are either absent or unemployed. Many of these mothers have no skill, no jobs and have never worked. According to some of those we interview, the fathers just don't want to help and they "doan know why".
Others say some fathers refuse to help because when they told them to abort the child they wouldn't listen to them, "dem must stay deh and suffa because is their fault".
See how the plot thickens? Genitals interplay, children are generated and the blame game begins!
The children's sake
So these mothers call on society for maintenance of the children. Some common complaints - the kids go to bed without dinner; they have no mattress to sleep on; no lunch money for school; no clothing; nothing. For the children's sake some sections of society (bless their heart) respond favourably. Among these respondents are mothers and fathers who feel the pain of these suffering children and will offer a little milk, sugar, cornmeal, a few diapers etc.
In search of food, clothing, and shelter for the newborn, many of these young mothers become vulnerable and available to another male who might be able to offer short-term assistance in exchange for a long-term burden. He will offer love and care to gain the female's trust. When the goal is achieved and another pregnancy occurs the true colours come to the fore. There is animosity and disagreement because of this pregnancy and the male gets fed-up and walks away for his own peace of mind. The mother does not enjoy the same luxury. She must carry the burden and do the necessaries for the survival of the growing fatherless family.
May I shout this from the highest mountain? Young people, sexual pleasure can lead to misery and perpetual poverty! Why do you young ladies think that after the first pregnancy and the fella walks, it's not the same one coming back disguised as an angel? Outside of a marital agreement, sexual activity can be very dangerous! A night of fun can set you back, 10, 20, 30 years or even a lifetime! You might have heard this a million times before. It makes sense!
Stop the wildlife approach
My neighbourly advice to those who have not turned their lives over to the rulership of their genitals is that they should look around them. Listen to the cry of the helpless mothers who are left with five or six children to fend for. Help them to care for their fatherless children, if you can, and make sure you do not make the same mistake. Ladies and gentlemen we just cannot continue to take the wildlife approach to life. It is always better to bear the pain of sexual denial than the pain of watching your hungry child go to bed without a morsel.
I am challenging every well-thinking neighbour to target a potential mother of five-without-a-father and help to stem the problem before it happens. In the meanwhile let's continue to help all hungry children, despite the circumstances which preceded their arrival into this world.
Until next week, let's see how many persons we can assist from the list below and enjoy the blessings.
Have a great 'neighbourday'.
Many thanks to the following neighbours who extended themselves to help their neighbours last week.
1 Vinette, St Catherine, for donating a blackhead sewing machine to a neighbour from the same parish to help her generate an income.
2 Mr Green, St Catherine, for offering a two-piece living room suite to a neighbour from St Andrew.
3 Monica, St Catherine, for offering clothing and other stuff to some young neighbours.
4 Mrs Foster, St Catherine, for offering shoes, bed and mattresses to Keisha, St Andrew.
5 Norma, St Catherine, for offering clothing to needy female neighbours.
6 Caren, St Catherine, for contributing to her neighbours comfort by donating a bed to him.
7 Novelette, St Andrew, for offering a school bag and other supplies to a student.
8 Maria, St Andrew, for offering bed linen and clothing to St Catherine neighbour.
9 Rosemarie, St Andrew, for her practical demonstration of neighbourliness to a neighbour who needed clothing and other necessities for church etc.
10 Beverly, Canada, for offering to assist Pearl, St Elizabeth, whose son is in need of a wheelchair.
Here are opportunities to help neighbours
1 Miss Myers, son is brain damaged. Asking neighbours for TV and an educational DVD to assist with his development.
2 Neighbour, St Andrew, needs desperate help! Trained chef ... experiencing difficulties in finding a job. Children are hungry asking for help to start his own food business. Please, help.
3 Neighbour, unemployed. Son needs GSAT books. No money to purchase. Asking neighbours to assist.
4 Sister Rose, St Catherine, met in a motor vehicle accident and unable to help self. Asking neighbours to help for children's sake.
5 Sophia, St Elizabeth, mother of four children attending school. No food before going to bed at times. Asking neighbours for financial assistance to start a phone card business. Also needs a bed, mattress etc. Fridge to sell juice.
6 Veronica, Westmoreland, unemployed ... in need of a stove with an oven to bake products as an income generator.
7 Leonie, Clarendon, attending sewing classes in the community and in need of a sewing machine. Wants to do pillows, etc. for living.
8 Lilieth, Clarendon, husband met in an accident and is now brain damaged. Asking neighbours for an igloo ... wants to sell juice to help make a living for self and children.
9 Juliet Clarendon, mother of three wants to help support her children ... in need of food and clothing... has a little piece of land to do farming but she needs help with seeds, etc.
10 Simone, St Catherine, unemployed. Asking for grade four books for children
11 Keva, Clarendon, mother of six needs roof for self and children ... not working.
12 Single mother of two, St Andrew, daughter won a scholarship and attending university overseas. Fell ill twice and had to be hospitalised on both occasions. Mother is finding it very difficult pay hospital bills. Insurance covers less than half the amount.
To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send email to: neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the linkup. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to Acct # 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX.