Moral values at their lowest

THE EDITOR: I would like, through the medium of your paper, to express the following observation. The escalation of crime in Trinidad and Tobago did not come about by chance. Moral values in these times are at their lowest in this country. The decline starts in the home and then the school and spreads to the society at large. To be a good role model in society today seems to be speedily going out of fashion. In the political world, in the economic world, in the religious world, in the social world, things all seem to be heading in the same direction. Turning to the Scriptures, there is a verse in the Book of Isaiah Chapter 59 and verse 14 which states, “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” This scripture is apparently being fulfilled in our society today. Since attaining our independence in 1962 from Great Britain, corruption has been a plague in our society.

An NAR Government was elected with Mr ANR Robinson as Prime Minister who endeavoured to initiate some semblance of discipline because of wild spending and was somewhat successful in many respects, but did not sit well with people who lack financial control. Wild spending and corruption practices reached their peak during the last UNC administration resulting in the resignation of three prominent UNC Ministers which brought about the downfall of the former UNC administration. Because of this a Commission of Inquiry was set up by the present PNM administration which ended its sittings recently. During these sittings, many witnesses were called to testify regarding the Piarco scandal with certain former UNC Ministers refusing to attend the hearings. When people in high places who should be role models become so powerful and feel they are above the law, therein lies the possibility of a breakdown in society. We are sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. As a result of the Inquiry into the Piarco Airport scandal, many people are in danger of facing prosecution. In the meantime, murders, kidnappings and drug charges seem to be the order of the day. And charges of corruption during the UNC administration seem to be fuelling this situation. Members of the Opposition in both Houses accuse the present Government of doing nothing about the crime situation. But the truth is, it is members of the Opposition while in Government who have set the pace resulting in the situation we are in today. The Minister of Security and the security people are doing their utmost to quell the situation. So let us wish them success in this venture.

DA COSTA MC DONALD
Point Fortin