Please Help: The Life of Mr. Robert Cummings (Updated)

In looking at the 7pm news the one story that affected me to the point of prompting me to have a say was that of Robert Cummings. Mr. Cummings is a 59 year old who is currently living in the Sangre Grande Cemetry with his wife and pet dogs. Evicted from their previous home by the state for squatting, left with no choice, they had to move into the cemetery seven weeks ago. With no amenities nor basic utilities they are forced to make do with whatever is available. Listening to a humble, tear-ful man (all he wants is some help, a place to live and a job to care for his wife and dogs) I too, cry; for the shameful state of our Republic to treat its citizens in such a cruel way. Suffering from an unsightly skin disease, Mr. Cummings cannot get a job as employers scorn his condition. His willingness to work should be enough to ensure that he has a fair opportunity to contribute to the collective good and not have to face discriminatory hiring policies and maintain his dignity (as can be seen is a struggle for him). Several questions remain unanswered in my mind; why has the state failed one of its own, where is the Social Welfare Ministry in all this, surely nothing more must be said to merit their intervention, where is the Housing Ministry, surely a more deserving case is hard to find and finally, whilst admiring CNC3 for carrying this story, why has it taken two months to notice this heart-breaking situation? Trinidad and Tobago, people are falling through the cracks, our social safety nets need more attention. Social welfare workers, who do thank-less jobs, are over-worked, under appreciated and ill equipped need to be focussed more on cases like these. We as citizens must, look out for each other, especially those who can't for themselves. To those responsible for evicting this family from their home (illegal or not) shame on you! I am quite sure you did not approach your task with compassion. Your civic if not actual duty to examine the circumstances and seek to employ the services of the Social Welfare and Housing ministries to provide an alternative is indicative of your inhumanity. Had you done so and offer some mercy until all avenues were explored I am sure an acceptable solution would have been found. Not one to condone breaking of the law, I am sure that some parameter based framework can be developed where an automatic referral to an appropriate government agency can be made relevant to the situation. Each case must be looked at humanely and every possible means at arriving at mutually beneficial solutions must be explored before applying draconian measures. Help is needed here, please, all who choose to read this do what you can. Dr Ramadharsingh, Dr Moonilal and Mr Warner your help is needed. Again, kudos to CNC3 for carrying the story. Once you do decide to help 365 9900 is a number listed by CNC3 to do so. ckhabay@yahoo.co.uk

guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/08/10/ministry-helps-cemetery-couple