Bring back the ‘shepherd’s staff’

THE EDITOR: Approximately thirty years ago you may not have seen students walking aimlessly like crabs to and from school. Seldom did you hear them hurling abuses at one another. Checks and balances on student deportment was the norm as a result of physical and verbal empowerment granted to teachers, parents, guardians and elderly persons of their respective communities.

At that point in history, teachers were never debarred from freely correcting students, using whatever measures that were humanly possible to implement. The mighty rod became a recognised symbol of respect. In schools, students seemed to have gotten the clear indicators that if they could not “shape themselves” into the system then they had no other option but to “ship out” of it. Concerted efforts to reach lofty goals and become morally and spiritually sound were therefore made. Students were so highly motivated that academic success was measured by ninety-nine percent inspiration.

It is sad to realise that the majority of our present day students are no longer benefitting from these positive traditions. Almost thirty years ago, the rod was regarded as a shepherd’s staff and the teacher was looked upon as a good shepherd. The good shepherd would unhesitatingly use his rod, oops, I mean his precious staff to prevent his “sheep” from falling over the dangerous cliffs. In recent times, in the absence of the shepherd’s staff, more and more students are heading straight over the cliffs of life. What is wrong is that these children may not get a second chance to repent and get on with their lives.

In recent times in TT we are hearing of a series of criminal activities committed by fifteen to seventeen year olds. Children do not get an inclination to commit criminal offences overnight. Crime goes through varying stages. It begins as a seed that is sown in the ground, watered and left on its own to develop. It is often said that in order to destroy a serpent one must first spy out its nesting place. In order to destroy indiscipline and crime, we need to first get to their roots. The “roots” are many times found in the homes and within the children. The rod is in fact the only device that can make a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of children for the security and betterment of society. I therefore strongly suggest that the rod be re-introduced in TT in the interest of all living and those to be born.

LINDSEY RAMPERSAD
Tacarigua