Children bake in ‘hot sun’ all day

HUNDREDS of children were forced to brave the hot sun for hours yesterday as a result of a clash between the 85th annual Horticultural Society Competition at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, and a walk against crime around the Savannah. The Ministry of Education held its third annual “Walk Against Crime 2005” yesterday, and many parents and students were out from as early as 6 am. The children were not permitted in the Grand Stand because of the judging competition being held by the Horticultural Society. After walking approximately three miles around the Savannah, they had to stand in the sun, or sit on the ground for several hours in the paddock area. The walk started at 9 am, and some schools finished at about 11.30 am.

Ten thousand students from 80 schools, teachers, principals and parents participated in the event. Olympic silver medallist Ato Boldon and West Indies cricketer Brian Lara walked with the children, while entertainers such as Machel Montano, H2O Phlo and Knycky Cordner sang to the crowds of excited children. Awards were handed out to the essay winners of the competition, “How can a mobile phone be used in the fight against crime?” “In a country of cynics, something has to be done, and it has to do with the mindset as opposed to sitting down,” Ato Boldon told Newsday. He said he travels to Trinidad every two weeks in an educational initiative programme. “None of us are doing enough, and it isn’t only the Government, it is me and you, everyone,” he said. Minister of Education Hazel Manning said the walk came about because of the student violence in the schools.

“We need to put a stop to it, and not only march, we have to hold workshops, and also encourage peace and problem solving,” she disclosed. She said we need to send a message to our nation at large. Albert Hudson, Vice-President of Ursula’s Primary School on St Vincent Street, told Newsday that many children come to school with problems and are not supported by their parents. “We have fund raisers and they don’t support them. Sometimes we have to tell parents how to dress when they come into the school,” Hudson said. He added that it was important to speak with the children, and take time to show interest in the children. “We hear of so many bad things. What kind of message are we sending them?” Another parent, who is a prison officer, said he supported his children but did not like having to hear the raucous music of the entertainers when an important event like walking against crime was being held.