Thugs posing as leaders

THERE are too many thugs posing as leaders, who are fostering their destructive hooligan behavioural patterns on vulnerable and impressionable youths. That is the view expressed by Lennox Smith, coordinator of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Eradication of Crime in Laventille, when he delivered an address at the start of a one-year business studies and computer literacy programme, sponsored by the Living Society Community Development Consultants at Maraval on Friday.

Smith said persons perceived to be of good standing and influence in depressed communities, persistently abused their privilege “with impunity at the expense of inexperienced persons who see them as role models.” He said those who reinforced the “rogue culture” in communities such as Laventille, were the second most dangerous contributors to the level of violence and criminal activities in the area. He called for a conscientious rejection of such elements. He said while such persons may never have been in jail or breached the law, they “spew a type of venomous indoctrination that impacts on youths and encourages them to disrespect life, property and values, that make good upright citizens.”