Menacing beggars and child abusers

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I recently visited an establishment in Half Way Tree and encountered a situation that left me both reflective and deeply concerned. While there, a young woman approached me in a respectful and courteous manner. She greeted me warmly with a “good afternoon” before asking for assistance. Her demeanour suggested genuine need, and I felt compelled to offer what she requested. It was a simple interaction yet one that reminded me that not all requests for help are without merit.

However, as I made my way back to my office, the experience took a troubling turn. A young man, carrying a very small child on his shoulders, approached me and muttered, “Elder, mi waan hundred dollar from yuh.” I chose not to respond. Shortly thereafter, a middle-aged man shouted aggressively, “Gi mi fifty dollar!” He, too, was ignored. These encounters were not only uncomfortable but also indicative of a pattern of coercive and confrontational begging that appears to be increasingly common in our public spaces.

What disturbed me most was the presence of the young child in the scorching heat. The sun was unforgiving, yet the child remained exposed – seemingly used as a tool to evoke sympathy from passersby. This raises serious ethical and legal concerns. Children should never be placed in situations where their well-being is compromised for financial gain. Such actions, whether intentional or not, border on exploitation and must be addressed with urgency.

Half Way Tree is known for its visible police presence, and rightly so, given its centrality and high level of activity. It is, therefore, troubling that such situations continue unchecked. Child protection is not merely a moral responsibility. It is a legal one. Authorities must remain vigilant in monitoring these circumstances and taking appropriate action when necessary. The welfare of children must always take precedence over every other consideration.

While compassion and charity are virtues we must all uphold, they must be exercised with wisdom and discernment. As Sathya Sai Baba aptly stated:

“Charity does not mean that the land should be full of beggars. We can provide some support, but provide food, clothing, and other conveniences in such a way that you are not encouraging laziness and begging.”

This perspective urges us to assist in ways that uplift and empower rather than encourage dependency or harmful practices.

GARFIELD L. ANGUS