I visited my home country Jamaica recently and my trip was a blessing. I enjoyed every minute I spent at the beaches I visited. The water was very inviting after not being at a beach in a number of years. The natural beauty of the island is always breathtaking. I also trekked down to the river behind my mom's house in St Mary. It was very peaceful and relaxing, hearing the birds chirping and the sound of the water running. I began to envision how wonderful it would be as a get away. That part of the country in its natural state would be a delight for visitors. The revenue generated could help with the upkeep and benefit the community.
Reality hit when I thought about one very essential thing that is lacking. While Jamaica is known as the land of wood and water, there are so many that are forced to go without this life sustaining commodity for months sometimes. Piped water is a scarcity in many communities across the Island and these communities are usually where there's a lot of need.
There's usually a community stand pipe in these areas. I recently read that they are being phased out. What will those without the means to buy trucked water and water tanks do? The water is turned on only once per week, so just imagine having to go through your day, not even being able to wash your hands among other essential tasks when you need to. People have to make several trips with buckets of water to fill their containers.
Why are there such disparities concerning access to water in these communities? There is no shortage of water in the country. The Lord has already provided enough of it to serve the entire Island. It sees record rainfall, has numerous rivers and natural springs so even when there is drought water should still be available to all. It is to those who are well off.
We're embarking on a journey to bring some attention to this issue. While we want to bring attention to the communities across the entire Island, we want to highlight the two communities we are most familiar with. They are Hopeflats in St Andrew and Esher in St Mary. There have been suggestions that Hopeflats may need to have its own source of water to serve the residents. We are asking that you help to pray for a well needed change. All things are possible with God!
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Proverbs 14:31
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
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