The practice by some citizens to seek handouts from politicians repeatedly, has led one Member of Parliament to chastise them for having a culture of mendicancy.

Member of Parliament for Northeast St Andrew, Delroy Chuck was giving his contribution to the state of the constituency debate in parliament this afternoon (September 01, 2015).

Delroy Chuck

Mr Chuck lamented that many citizens rely too heavily on their Member of Parliament for assistance.

He added that even when assistance is given, the recipients most often do not attempt to develop on their own after getting help.

He said because people have a culture of mendicancy, they are content in thinking that politicians, and by extension the government is duty bound to support them from the cradle to the grave.

Mr Chuck says MPs can only do so much and no more, adding that people must realise that they have an individual responsibility to help themselves.

Meanwhile, commenting on requests for back to school support, Mr Chuck said the number of persons seeking assistance this year is unprecedented.

He says the problem with poverty is that people are unable to create wealth for themselves.