lifeline opens database FOR ‘BAGHDAD’ RESIDENTS

THE EDITOR: Action “like Baghdad” promised the senior officer two weeks ago, as plans were prepared for — Block 22, Rock City, Pump Trace, Rudolph Charles Link Road, Rose Hill, Observatory Street, Africa, Canada, Gonzales, St. Barb’s and other sub-ghetto of Eastern Port of Spain, with its hilly shoulders leaning on Caledonia, Morvant, Silver Tank and Trou Macaque. What will he find in these communities alienated “from Central Authority”, where young males have been at risk for decades? What is new since Lifeline’s 1993 policy conference on “Violence, Self and the Young Male”? Predictions then were made by many and in the stunning speech “On the Volcano — No Time To Bleed, No Time To Sow a Seed” a young observer of his society called Ataklan said: “...Now even for the ten-year old the fun game is gun-shooting” and, “Eighty six per cent of our young people leave school without much of an education.” And, Pearl Eintou Springer to the press — “The men so fractured they almost impotent...” And, Pastor Dottin (June 1994) when a gang war erupted in a church crusade tent said, — “This country is a time bomb which is ticking faster and faster. It will soon explode.”

In her recent article, Marion O’Callaghan, Newsday columnist, updates the crisis (Newsday, May 13th). It should be required reading for both security people and public officials. It says, and the 1993 conference confirms, that “Baghdad” is long ready to bite society if you don’t pay attention to ... a number of issues. For schools in the urban area says O’Callaghan, “it may be necessary to produce specialized teachers.  The backup of both social welfare and health officials will be crucial.” She recommends, among other things, give Eastern Port of Spain “the chance of social mobility into the professions...” To move forward to even one small front in this admittedly complex crisis, Lifeline will prepare a database called “The Opportunity File”. The question to persons in Eastern Port of Spain is — “Are you qualified academically or in the Arts, but un-employed and idle?” Please tell us now. Send an E-Mail of not more than ten lines to lifeline-tt@tstt.net.tt.  Specify and give brief details on either BA / B.Sc and no job;  One of more ‘“A” levels, and desire to enter University; Five “O” Levels or CXC subjects, and desiring tuition to “A” Level;  The Arts and Music (practical or certificates) and desirous of further education OR Trades and Technical, have qualifications but un-employed.

If you fit into one or more of the above, reply to “Opportunity File” Lifeline at lifeline-tt@tst.net.tt OR PO BAG 764, Curepe.
Preferably before June 25th, 2003 with a contact number or address.
For advice, our significant resource persons will include:
* Ms Folade Mutota (PRO, Desperadoes and a Community Activist)
* Ataklan (Singer/Resident of Never Dirty, Morvant)
* Babu Ketema (Administrative Director, Studio 66, Art Support Community)
* Bishop Leo Warner (Sculptor, Artist and Elder)
This is a call to the bright and frustrated. Let us know the facts.

L Gabriel
A L Mc Shine
Chairperson
Member
Submitted by Lifeline