Root cause is in the cradle

THE EDITOR: Kindly permit me a space in your daily to voice some concerns. Currently there is considerable public discussion on the African male and COSTAATT. I believe not enough research has been done by persons who have made a big fuss on this subject. I am African and the proud single mother of two African sons, and while I agree with the “error” in the document in question (especially in relation to the African male 15-25), it is not necessary that this group should have been identified for this strategy. Trinidad and Tobago African, Indian, Chinese, White, Syrian, and all other citizens are equally important, but there is a problem with my people in this age group. This is our country, let us not be devoured by our selfishness but rather put the survival of our country as a people first and not race.

We all seem to be blinded by Mr Panday and Mr Manning, Mr Sat and Dr Cudjoe — prominent gentlemen who have their own agendas that may or may not always be in the national interest. Citizens of my decaying republic, government bodies, private enterprise and all other interested groups, the root of this situation is in my cradle. The potential tertiary hopefuls will not turn to a life of crime; they will settle for simple jobs and work their way up, so your foundation target should be kindergarten, primary and secondary students. So, ministers, senators and opposition members and fellow countrymen let us revisit all our contributions and we may well discover that we oppose for opposing sake and speak only because we have an audience. We can’t only say African male is the main perpetrator and not try to find a solution — not smart for leaders and future leaders at all. Who is serious about the root problem? Who is serious about dealing with the seed of our growing demise?

CLARISA RAVELLO
Port-of-Spain