It’s time to put an end to crime in TT

THE EDITOR: In our society in which we live, kidnapping, gruesome murders, rape, vandalism and drug trafficking namely called crime have once again been seen on the headlines of every newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago. This serious predicament and deep haunting problem has reached alarming proportions resulting in a negative impact of the country.

The time to put an end to this high incidence of criminal activities has arrived and I believe that special emphasis must be made on the role of the young people which can result in a positive, reduction of this disaster. Young people must first and foremost equip themselves with education and show themselves approved. Education is a stepping stone for a career ahead so they can indulge themselves in obtaining a job and joining the labour force. However, there are unfortunate ones who are unable to join the workforce and therefore remain unemployed and add themselves to the escalating number of street children on our nation’s roads resulting in exposure to bad influence and illegal activities. It is essential that these young people involve themselves in trades and technical/vocational courses to become employable and skillfully approved.

The private sector and large businesses should innovate their policies where the provision and sponsorship of on-the-job-training, promotional activities and scholarships for youths should be a priority. Thus, youths will be given responsibility and feel a sense of worth instead of being turned down on jobs that require experience and academic qualifications. In order to curb this major social problem, the establishment of “anti-crime groups” in schools, churches and communities can promote the dangers, causes, preventative methods and solutions to crime. This increases the awareness of the youths as well as the older folks so they can protect themselves, their families and communities at large. There should be incentives eg rewards, bonuses for those people who can assist the police in fighting the battle thus, encouraging the people especially the youths to participate in solving and eliminating crime.

There is a need for better role models in our country so youths would not follow the footsteps of drug lords and gangsters but will follow footsteps of doctors, lawyers, teachers which will have a positive impact. Proper guidance from parents and elders is a need, because young people should take heed of the advice and suggestions, because if these children are brought up on the right values and morals then there is no need for young people to be rebellious, delinquent and mischievous. For some parents who are workaholics, you are not even aware if your children are carrying weapons eg knives in their school bags. Please try to spend quality time with your children especially teenagers because when they do not receive the love, attention and guidance at home they seek this love elsewhere and ends up seeking it in the wrong places and get caught up with bad company which put a rise to the number of crimes. Parents should teach their children to refrain from bad company and should report any bad and illegal activities to the police.

What will become of a country that contains crime and illegal activities? Who will want to come to a country where criminals may be your next door neighbours? Will tourists desire to holiday in a country with the fear of being murdered? Would people want to live and work in a country where they are afraid to trust their own shadow? No! No! No! This is why there must be crime elimination beginning now, starting with you and starting with me. As citizens of this beautiful, blessed twin island we must protect ourselves, our family and our nation by seeking every solution to tackle crime. Youths of our country, stand up now and battle this disaster so we can eradicate this problem because the future of our country lies in our hands.

KRISTY-ANN RAMSAMOOJ
Couva Gov’t Secondary
Form 5C