Government must create jobs, not fire workers

THE EDITOR: The authorities are trying to solve the crime situation by placing more policemen and soldiers on the street to stop criminal activity, yet workers are being laid off and driven on the bread line.

As long as there is unemployment there would be more crime. The plan is not likely going to work successfully as long as the authorities are not too interested in making employment a top priority, providing jobs not only for the boys, but for all people interested in working while trying to eradicate poverty. This is the government’s responsibility and they are to fulfil the many promises they made at the last general election. Many persons who may have lost their jobs and are qualified may be able to find alternative employment, but there are those who are weak socially, and when they realise that they cannot find a job to take care of their wives and chidlren, then through frustration, may react negatively.

The people who have lost their jobs have to find ways and means to take care of their families. We read in the newspapers about three weeks ago where tragedy struck when an ex-Caroni worker bought a car to use as a taxi, and tragically died when the car crashed, seriously injuring his wife. The talk of a 20/20 vision would never come to pass as long as we are saddled with unemployment and crime. If this present regime is serious about eradicating poverty and building a nation, they are to find jobs for the unemployed, not fire workers.

HORACE DESORMEAUX
Port-of-Spain