Think it over, Lennox

THE EDITOR: I, like most other Laventille was shocked and surprised to learn of the resignation of veteran and stalwart Laventille Community Activist, Mr Lennox Smith from community work. His departure surely leaves a tremendous gap, and an act hard to follow as far as commitment, and selfless dedication to the Laventille cause is concerned. From what I have gathered, his decision was prompted by many-part frustrations built up over his 25 years of dedicated service to the poor and downtrodden. Inspite of this, no one can deny his many achievements both at the front and behind the scenes in the fight against poverty, alienation, discrimination and environmental degradation.

It is clearer to me that when he formed the political organisation Laventille Outreach For Vertical Enrichment (LOVE), it was not because he sought political office, but was part of his desire to make Laventille and environs a focal point for social rehabilitation and as community by the powers that be. Mr Smith must be commended. We know now that he is no politician nor his intention was political. How could it be when he of all persons would know that Laventille is PNM territory? In many ways Smith has demonstrated pioneerism in his approach to community work in Laventille. None in Laventille or in Trinidad and Tobago for that matter, has been able to produce a mass community-based vocational skills training programme of the magnitude, complexity, scope and appropriateness as he did.

There is no single person that has exuded tacit and overt influence and motivation for others engaged in the execution of self-generated community initiatives, in response to the social problems of the grass roots as he has. Mr Smith’s vast knowledge and experience have been put to the test on numerous occasions and have always produced benefits to those served. It is unfortunate that one of his announced complaints was his disappointment in certain sections of the Police Service. The police of all institutions, should know that people like Smith will be targetted by all sorts of elements for various reasons, including ‘no-good ones. ‘Swift action is always useful in such circumstances. Finally, I will like to add my voice to the chorus of persons and groups that are appealing to Mr Smith for reconsideration of his decision to resign.

ALFRED GEORGE
Trou Macaque