MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR WORLD HOMELESS DAY 2023
The theme for this year’s recognition of World Homeless Day is one that I am particularly passionate about. The reality of violence against homeless people is global, and from all indications, it is increasing. It transcends countries and regions, irrespective of the economic, political and social disparities between them. Additionally, the factor that appears to be common to the patterns of violence against homeless people worldwide is that of urbanization. The vast majority of cases of violence have occurred and continues to occur in cities and towns. There are various causes of the terrible acts of violence against homeless people, but it is a reality that is a scourge on all our societies.
While thankfully, the cases of violence against homeless people are not extensive in Jamaica, we have also experienced a number of fatal incidents. As part of the mix of responses to this problem, the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has established and is expanding, a network of Drop-In Centres and Night Shelters across the island. These provide among other things, food, medical care, sanitary facilities and supplies, and a secured space in which the homeless can rest comfortably. A significant number of our homeless population moves around in zones and tends to prefer being on the streets. We continue to encourage our citizens who find themselves in these unfortunate circumstances to make even greater use of these facilities especially at night.
Those of us who serve as elected representatives are frustrated by a sobering truth: that the most stringent, far-reaching laws and regulations will not by themselves, eliminate violence against our homeless brothers and sisters. We can’t legislate tolerance, understanding and love. While all the arms of the state, including the police, continue to do all that is possible to prevent violence against the homeless and to investigate and prosecute it when it happens, the Government is also continuing to persuade our people, in whose name we serve, to embrace a change of attitude to the homeless, to see them as fellow citizens and most importantly, to truly recognize their humanity. They are not expendable or inconsequential, and the Government remains fully committed to securing their dignity and their rights, especially their right to life. We fully endorse the appeal: “Do Better! Lets end Violence Against the Homeless.”
Hon. Desmond McKenzie CD, MP, JP
Minister
