#BTEditorial – Homeless attacks unmask Bajans’ compassion deficit

In the heart of The City, a despicable series of attacks on vulnerable homeless individuals over the weekend has ignited a fervent public outcry — and rightfully so.

Yet, while the immediate response reflects our collective indignation, it is evident that it alone falls short in addressing a deepening issue that defies a swift fix. The escalating assaults on the homeless, now a distressing daily reality, demand a more profound examination of our society and the underlying factors that lead some to engage in such heartless acts.

The irony is not lost on us that in a week that we celebrate freedom from slavery, there are many Barbadians who cannot cheer freedom from want or freedom from fear; yet another indicator of galloping inequality.

As we face this bleak truth, we must also acknowledge our shared responsibility in creating a compassionate and caring society, one that champions respect for all, especially those who find themselves marginalised and abandoned.

It is nothing short of disgraceful that the homeless endure torment and violence, and those responsible must face suitable penalties. The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness reported that some of its clients suffered severe beatings, with one individual even experiencing memory loss due to their injuries. Another was brutally stabbed, a female client faced the cruelty of being slapped across the face, and others endured head injuries and various traumas.

Although Sunday’s incident made headlines, it is crucial to recognize that these attacks against vagrants have been a constant occurrence, as emphasized by BAEH President Kemar Saffrey  during a press conference. Tragically, the perpetrators of such lawless acts are reported to be young individuals.

This alarming trend demands a deeper exploration of the underlying issues within our society that compel youths to repeatedly engage in such violent misbehaviour. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for an earnest conversation to address the pressing matter of homelessness.

Regrettably, it serves as a stark indictment of our society. These attacks shame us collectively. We all share responsibility for shaping a society that exhibits dwindling respect and compassion for one another, particularly for the most vulnerable members who are often disregarded and mistreated.

As Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, astutely observed, there is a troubling lack of compassion among us. In condemning the incident, he expressed that no one should be subjected to such cruelty, and no one has the right to perpetrate such abuse. We suspect the minister was being gracious in saying that “some” hold the unfortunate view that the homeless are sub-human and can be treated with disregard. He eloquently reminded us that, ultimately, we are all human beings and fellow Barbadians.

The issue of homelessness is far more complex than mere labels of laziness or worthlessness. Many find themselves temporarily without a home due to life’s harsh circumstances, lacking the necessary support or safety net. Moreover, there are those whose mental health challenges render them incapable of maintaining a stable home.For months, and even longer, Saffrey has been sounding the alarm on the escalating homelessness crisis, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to numerous job losses. The problem is now deemed a national crisis, with at least one person daily seeking help at the BAEH.

In response to this dire situation, both Saffrey’s organization and the Government are diligently working on a policy that is expected to be presented before Cabinet soon. While a long-term strategy is essential, it must not hinder the possibility of immediate relief measures.

Key solutions should involve providing temporary housing and comprehensive services to those living on the streets, enabling them to regain self-sufficiency and reclaim normalcy in their lives. Saffrey proposes that the BAEH should evolve into a 24-hour operation to extend much-needed assistance to those in dire need — a significant step forward.

Additionally, direct public support and engagement with the homeless must extend beyond government initiatives and involve all of the nation. Beyond our righteous outrage, we bear a shared responsibility to respond to this crisis with compassion and dedication.

This republic – a form of self-governance that by definition presumes equality for all – finds itself at a crossroads of compassion and callousness, confronted by a societal predicament that calls for a united front in fostering empathy and understanding. It is not solely a matter for policymakers, but a collective, coordinated endeavour for every citizen, every organization, and every community.

It must begin with a change of attitudes and continue with a change of action that leads towards a brighter, more compassionate future — one where no individual is left behind, abandoned on the cold streets of indifference. Our society’s resilience lies in an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of all, especially those whom fate has rendered homeless.

It is time for us as a people to rise above this dark chapter and inscribe a tale of unity, benevolence, and progress into the very fabric of our nation’s history. It is a daunting challenge to be sure, but this nation can only emerge stronger and kinder if we choose compassion over cruelty and condemnation, just as generations before us did from Emancipation to Independence. Generations of Bajans to come are counting on us to get this right, and fast.