This afternoon wherever you are, be thankful that you haven’t spent the last week in Port-Au-Prince and send your thoughts to those who are there. Sadly this is the worst natural disaster of our times and it becomes further complicated by happening in the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere. Too many people are leaping into the debate with a political aim and yet we must remember that flags, religions and borders all mean nothing when life is just snuffed out on such a remarkable scale.

The suffering will continue for many weeks ahead and even the concept of rebuilding the city and surrounding towns is larger than comprehension allows. Please spare a thought for those who are trying to help and those that must endure the pain of loss. I happen to think that the Clash audience are a pretty clued up bunch and I apologise if this is at all preachy or of little interest to you. If you’ve ever visited the Caribbean you know its one of the most beautiful places on the planet and the brutal history of this island republic has now reached a new low as it suddenly looks like hell on earth. Anyway, I just felt the need to write, let nationalism be damned and maybe just maybe we can come through this with a better world view and some further understanding of the disparity that ravages us all.

Hey – it’s what the people are saying
It’s what the people are saying
Hey – there ain’t no berries on the trees
Hey – that’s what the people are saying, no berries on the trees                            Joe Strummer