Citizens part of the problem

THE EDITOR: Crime did not begin in this country with guns and grenades. Crime began when supposedly law-abiding citizens from all walks of life decided to slowly, but surely, whittle away at the idea of legality and, consequently, the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, without facing any reprisals. Every time a motorist broke a red light and faced no consequences for his or her actions, crime dug his heels further into this society. Every time parents and guardians failed to discipline their children, preferring instead to turn up in school to “beat the teacher” for the “good boy’s” sake, crime continued its carnival parade.

Every time businessmen chose to deliberately pay their workers less than the legally stipulated minimum wage, without consequence, crime grinned at the legislators and the enforcers. Every time supposed decent citizens failed to publicly denounce those in authority for graft and venal accumulation, preferring instead to place party politics above ethics and morality, crime threw another “jump and wave” party. Every time citizens chose to break the law, justifying their actions under the headline of expediency, crime was demoted (if not promoted) two rungs lower on the ladder to hell.

Ladies and gentlemen, while we continue to casually live in this “pass de buck” society, it is easy to conveniently forget the role we play on a daily basis in the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago. Besides the kidnappers and bandits, simply ask the four drivers who so callously killed the dazed 13-year-old on the highway like a dog. By the way, if you have not even taken individual responsibility for changing your attitude on the roads of this nation, then do not complain or call for the assistance of the Minister of National Security. Simply join the line of criminals prancing in this well-patronised free fete sweeping Trinidad and Tobago.

S GORDON
Champs Fleurs