Another blistering heatwave reminds us that we haven't listened to the scientists, and we will pay dearly for our indiscretion. Notwithstanding the temperatures now running at 34°C, one still has to move about. As I headed north on Washington Boulevard, I made sure I did not exceed the stipulated speed limit. Yes, police officers are there waiting to collect taxes. I just remembered that there is software that you can load on your phone that will alert you when the cops are around.
I first went to the Ministry of Health and Wellness offices at 5 Sylvan Avenue. It is one of those government offices that you look forward to going to. The staff are pleasant. My only concern is that they set up a screen so you cannot see the beautiful person you are speaking to at the reception area. That impersonal approach to designing an office seems to be the practice these days. This office is headed by young Dr Kimorely Humphrey, who is a very professional and humble public servant.
By the time I left the Ministry of Health and Wellness, I was feeling hungry, and it was time to take my medication. I went by Tastee, and I met the strangest cashier in my life. I asked her what types of patties were available. She looked like she was tired of answering questions. She had a ruler in her hand, and she kept pointing it at me while speaking to me. A man commented, "Why yu a point di ruler eena di man face so? Yu a teacher?"
I ordered one patty, but when I went to pick up the patty, I realised she had collected funds for two patties. She probably wanted one for herself! Customer service is not dying in Jamaica; it is dead. I would love to hear the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica speak about this issue.
I ate my two patties, took one of my tablets, and headed for the Cross Roads Taxi Association car park. I was greeted by an air of excitement and confusion. I was told that a man had just attempted to commit suicide.
I searched for the man, and there he was, perched on top of an old desk. He seemed as if he were contemplating his next move.
I called to him, and he gave me one suspicious glance and then turned his head away. He is not stupid, and he knew that I came to talk to him. He was very suspicious. I had to answer a barrage of questions from him.
He complained about how nobody cared for him. He had suffered for many years. I asked him if he lived alone. He never answered that question because apparently he lived anywhere and everywhere.
He asked me, "How old do you think I am?"
Without thinking, I said, "Thirty years old." I seemed to have earned his confidence, and he continued to talk to me. He told me that if he felt like taking his life, it was his life, and he should have a right to do so.
I glimpsed the butt of a spiff tightly held between his fingers, and I told him to be careful of that ganja. His temperament changed immediately, and he looked aggressive. I changed the subject.
A few minutes after attending to some issues, I went back to look for him. He was pensive and very calm. He pretended not to see me.
I called 119 to get some help for him, hoping that they could protect him from himself.
I tried calling the head of the Bellview Hospital, but I did not get through. I called her the next day, and she advised me that Bellview is a hospital and they don't pick up people like that. She told me to contact the clinic in the area.
The next day, I called the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and they gave me a number to call. I called that number (888) 639-5433, and they assured me that they would deal with the matter.
I called someone in Cross Roads who knows about this man who attempted to commit suicide the day before. He said the man was still around. Will he get those suicidal thoughts again, and will he act on them? What systems do we have in this country to look after people like that, and are those systems working?
Last night as I headed to sleep, I thought of the man who attempted to commit suicide. It was my first experience talking to someone who had just attempted to commit suicide. I felt a tear streaking down my face. I prayed that I wouldn't reach that state because we never know what can happen to us.
The state has to do better in looking after those who cannot help themselves. We, the people, have a role to play also. The media houses must put the limelight on those who have no place of abode and no support. We only seem to get excited and politically involved when we can benefit from the excitement. There are probably many more in that man's position. Father, help us!
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