It is unfortunate that in light of the disaster that has affected our island, unscrupulous individuals can find time to loot and plunder.

The fear of being robbed is also, unfortunately, the reason why many residents of certain flood-prone communities have refused to move. While their decision might not make sense to many of us, we must understand that no one wants to leave his/her home unprotected and then come back to find nothing. Whether our property is more important than our lives, however, is another kettle of fish. Many people continue to risk their lives just to ensure that their their belongings are safe.

The fact that homeowners have to become police officers and security guards during natural disasters is disheartening. Don't these robbers have homes? Where do they find the time to be on the streets during the actual passage of the hurricane? Are they invincible? Are we to believe that their houses are safer and stronger than all of our homes?

Life is very strange. It is sad to see that many innocent people lose their lives under tragic circumstances during hurricanes, and looters are hardly ever injured. How they manage to balance two TVs on their heads, while battling gale force winds demands deep research. They are indeed talented.

Serious measures need to be implemented to secure people's homes and property during natural disasters, and it is up to the Government to decide what these measures will be and how they will be implemented.