Sean Major-Campbell | If I can help somebody

Imagine if we were united in helping the poor, humble, honest fellow citizens around us. Imagine if we understood that we all may need some moral support one day. Everyone needs a little help sometimes.

Why should 68-year-old Willie Rowe have to struggle so hard to access his own property? See The Sunday Gleaner of February 1, 2026, under the captioned ‘I can’t even walk on my own land’ Sexagenarian struggles to fulfil home ownership ambition after alleged encroachment. Then let us answer the question of: where and how should poor, struggling citizens, seniors even, receive redress when they innocently encounter challenges with the state?

I have encountered lovely Christian folks whose desk is furnished with bible, devotional, and bible verse poster; while lacking empathy for the pleading widow, the helpless senior, and the lamenting citizen who has been wronged by a state agency or agent. Too often we forget that after the worship event, it is then that the service begins in the world.

This man who sells castor oil, kitchen utensils, and pillows was ambitious enough to secure a mortgage for a piece of land in Naseberry Grove. He faithfully services his $2.5 million mortgage. Understandably, he was filled with anticipation about using a grant to build a two-bedroom house. Now, this father of two is being asked to bear more burdens!

The Gleaner notes: Confused by the discovery, Rowe said it marked the start of months of visits to several government agencies in the Corporate Area in search of answers.

“ I run by Ardenne Road (National Land Agency), then I moved from there, they send me to Dominica Drive at the Ministry of Housing. When I go to Ministry of Housing at Dominica Drive, they said they don’t know of it as such in the first place. I go up by Cross Roads at HAJ (Housing Agency of Jamaica), they send me back to Dominca Drive and seh is Dominica Drive responsible for the matter is not them,” he said.

“When I go [back] there now, they look at my documents for the second time, and they say they going to come back to the land. They sent two men. They said they would have sort me out, and I have to stop what me doing … ,” he recalled.

“I [asked] them how long would I have to [wait to] contact Housing Trust for them to come and continue the land, being that the matter going to sort out from the Ministry of Housing point of view, they said about three years before I can even plant anything on the land or continue with the lineout,” he continued.

He has now been advised to retain a lawyer. Remember now that Willie Rowe is a struggling 68-year-old father of two who would have made much effort to secure a mortgage and was the recipient of a grant for a poor person.

ADVOCACY FOR THE POOR

It is in situations like these that poverty may easily be understood to be a crime. This is why those who claim to be followers of Christ, ought to be the voice of Christ in situations that oppress the poor. It was refreshing to hear that Mr. Rowe’s church helped him to secure legal services.

We have systems that can help those who are in such situations. Tell me though, who will facilitate information that can help the Willie Rowes of Jamaica? Help them so that they do not have to go on a wild goose chase for help!

Did you know that Willie Rowe gives us the face of Jesus? And did you know that Christ is to be seen in Renee Good and Alex Pretti? In a world where it is hip to flaunt bullying and material wealth, we can be the hand and heart and voice of Jesus for the less fortunate and the voiceless.

We have so much to learn from the ambitious poor whose resilience, contentment, sense of community, and entrepreneurial spirit inspires many of the struggling poor in the world. Poverty is not noble. But the poor are special in the sight of God. No wonder that in Psalm 72, the people are to be judged in righteousness and the afflicted ones with justice. Politically leadership is blessed for purpose. And that purpose is serving the people in their distress.

LIVE IN SERVICE

Maybe there is a place for understanding poverty as a crime against humanity. God chooses the side of the poor. Still in Psalm 72 we read, “ For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy

and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.” May we who preach faith in God, also live in service for those who cry for help.

Many around the globe are suffering from being wronged. Many have been wondering if the oppressed will find relief. The psalmist again speaks from a position of faith in God. In Psalm 140, the timeless reminder is celebrated, “ I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.”

Those who have exploited the poor in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa must know that robbing from the poor will not sow seeds of blessing. Those securing contributions for personal gain, are in for a shock when the God of justice meets with them! Just like those who feel so smart and expected to get away with crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and murder! The mighty is falling. The humble is rising.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com