Thanks for PM’s timely gesture

THE EDITOR: Permit me some space in your daily newspaper to congratulate the Prime Minister of the republic of Trinidad and Tobago for his thoughtfulness and caring for residents of Port-of-Spain East.

His decision to opt out of attending the conference of the Americas to tour, meet and greet with the residents of Beverly Hills, Canada, and other surrounding communities was indeed a noble and timely gesture. The law abiding citizens of these communities have been the audience to an orgy of lawlessness, murder and mayhem. They have lived through the nightmare of seeing the bullet-riddled bodies of their young sons lie on the streets of their neighbourhood awaiting the arrival of the undertaker.

The long overdue reconstruction of the Beverly Hills decanting centres has also been the subject of community violence. One would have thought that the prospect of improved living conditions for citizens who were deprived for over 30 years would have brought joy to the community; that was not the case as many citizens had envisaged. It must have been reassuring to these residents to know that the Prime Minister has taken note of their plight and share their suffering and pain. The residents had the opportunity to share with the Prime Minister the difficulties that they face on a daily basis. The high levels of unemployment, illiteracy and teenage pregnancy have turned these communities into a haven for undesirables to recruit apprentices to engage in gang activity.

Emanating out of this visit must be a comprehensive human resource plan to take the communities forward. Opportunities for training and literacy enhancement must be made available to the residents within their own communities. This is also an appropriate time to provide the opportunities for the emergence of micro businessmen and women by making available small meaningful government contracts. This is the opportunity, Mr Prime Minister, to bring fishing boats, nets and engines to Port-of-Spain East so that the residents could learn to fish. Honourable Prime Minister, on behalf of the residents of Port-of-Spain East, thanks for your visit, your concern and continued positive leadership. Please take note that there are many law-abiding citizens in many communities who are ready to partner with the government to stem the tide of lawlessness and terror that now plague our blessed nation.

M SHAKA
Sangre Grande