Rotarian: If good men do nothing, evil will flourish in TT

Stating that “remedies don’t seem to be coming” regarding the current spate of crime, an emotional Jeremy Matouk Sergeant of the Port-of-Spain Rotary Club yesterday called on the authorities for “something to be done” as it was no longer safe for persons to just sit and enjoy an afternoon with their families on their porch.

Delivering opening remarks at yesterday’s weekly Rotary luncheon at the Queen’s Park Oval, at which Junior Minister in the Ministry of Finance Christine Sahadeo was the guest speaker, Matouk told his fellow Rotarians that “it is alright for us to be angry.” He was speaking of yesterday’s slaying of Christopher Aleong brother of former BWIA chairman Conrad Aleong and Magistrate Sonia Aleong. Acknowledging that “all that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing,” Matouk admitted that though “the answers are not simple, and will take time, something needs to be done now.” In addressing the gathering, Sahadeo expressed similar sentiments as she stated, “One of my most pressing concerns is the support structure for the youths of this country. “I am afraid we have lost a lot in the area of family life,” she said quietly.

Commenting on a proposal for a mentoring programme for youths encompassing the Rotary Club, and other local clubs, Sahadeo revealed that this is an important area which can help to alleviate some societal ills. Extending a challenge to the Rotary Club to begin in the first instance in secondary schools and UWI, the minister said such a programme will only lead to “a win-win solution.” “I am of the view that a mentoring programme can lend much needed support to the nation’s youth at this crucial time,” she claimed. Concluding that everyone had an important part to play in assisting the youth of this country, Sahadeo pledged her commitment to work with the club in this venture.