Debt of gratitude to Laventille Elders

THE EDITOR: Sir, I am moved to tears upon reading and learning of the efforts of the Council of Elders of Laventille’s proactive efforts to arrest the wanton killings and unadulterated mayhem that has entrapped and engulfed the Laventille and environs community for far too long, and longer than any will want to remember. The Laventille killing fields probably had its genesis in the Caledonia area around 1995 and quickly rippled to as far as Belmont in the west. The devastation it has left in its path is not only unparalleled, but frighteningly disconcerting to the entire community and, by extension, the national community. The viciousness with which persons of violent tendencies will seek to extinguish the life of another human being is without doubt akin to bestial personality traits.

It is against this backdrop, the fearless intervention of the Council of Elders of Laventille must be contexualised and put into perspective. History will record that at its most trying hour of need, the collective experience and knowledge of Laventille rallied in unison to prevail and to conclude a situation that threatened the very existence of the area as a community. The Laventille concrete jungle awash with the blood of its youths no more. When this would have become the full reality in the fullness of time, Laventille will not only stand once more proud, but owe a debt of gratitude to its elders whose timely intervention preserved lives who themselves may have to live long enough to resolve other challenges to Laventille not yet revealed.

I therefore urge the authorities and the Laventille community in general to respond in a fashion that will promote a lasting peace to Laventille and environs. By this, comprehensive action should be taken to transform the social infrastructure of the affected area, so that quality living can prevail through education and training opportunities, community-based social intervention projects, support and leadership development at all levels of the process. It is the only way the Government’s vision 20/20 can meet maturity for the suburban community we all care and love and passionately refer to as “Behind-The-Bridge”. Yes Thunderbolt Williams something good is happening.

LAWRENCE CLARKE
Beetham Community Development Organisation