Upliftment for the youths of Laventille

THE EDITOR: Sir I wish to sincerely convey to The Council of Elders of Laventille my deep appreciation, and I am sure all the communities that make up Laventille, for the sacrifices and selfless dedication to confronting the challenges associated with gangs and wanton killings among our youths. There can be no greater sacrifice than that exemplified by the accomplishments of the Elders of Laventille. They have certainly tread where many have feared. This intrepid task cannot and could not have been ventured by the faint hearted. More over there can be not material reward that can compensate the Elders for what is generally recognised as a Governmental function. Which makes the work of the council even more significant and patriotic.

There are those, including myself (I must confess), who prefer to sit and leave the work to others, even though I/we have contributed to the problem by my/our neglect of my/our kids in so far as appropriate discipline is concerned. I have not paid sufficient attention to my kids at school. I have left in limbo any plans for guiding the future of my children. I am sure many of us are in this position. We know the Government cannot leave it up to the “big hearted” individuals that comprise The Council of Elders Of Laventille alone. I pledge from today, and as part of my new year’s resolution to pay more attention and show more love and care to my children. Now is a time for me to start, for tomorrow may be too late. Bad company comes from the community, and the community is made up of people having families. Each must guide and nurture if we are to emerge from this social rot in one piece.

Finally, I wish to plead with the Government to listen to the small people. Listen to the community. Help them to solve the problem and avoid the “big stick” approach through more police, special units etc. Take the same money and put an employment-training Centre on the Beetham. Seek out genuine community efforts, irrespective of politics. Too often good solutions go a begging based on who will get the political credit. The matter of crime and addressing the other social ills cannot be left to change on political grounds. Too often important contributors are side-lined and sacrificed for those who are supportive of the ruling party. This has brought further disaster to our community. I trust that is not the case with the Council Of Elders of Laventille who have made it clear that it is non-political, has no political agenda and is dedicated to assisting in eradicating the gang war and criminal behaviour in Laventille and environs. Please let us all give them the support. To my children and the youths of Laventille I say sorry for having failed you as parents.

CECIL BARTHOLOMEW
Laventille