Regrello wants return to traditional values

Speaking on Tuesday at the San Fernando City Corporation monthly statutory meeting, at council chambers in Harris Promenade, Regrello said the remedy to crime does not lie solely in government’s hands.

“Part of the blame lies squarely on our shoulders and we must accept that lawlessness can only be averted if we adhere to laws ourselves,” Regrello said.

He said laws include physical laws of the land, mental laws of decency and morality and spiritual laws which point to a higher purpose of existence. “Religious events no longer hold deep spiritual and core values. In many cases some religious holidays have been relegated to just another excuse for consumption of alcohol and little or no introspection,” he said.

Regrello cited the volatile situation in Enterprise, Chaguanas saying this rapid increase in crime was leading to the erosion of family life in this and other communities.

“A holistic approach to reduction of criminality must begin in the home,” he said, adding, “We must begin by repairing the damage done to the family unit and erosion of religious values that once were so heavily integrated into our lives.” He said the traditional Sunday lunch family meal was replaced with fast food and take-out while the adage, ‘the family that prays together, stays together’” had also been “deconstructed” as the single parent family unit is fast become a norm.

Regrello said people are no longer aware of who their neighbour really is as criminal activity has “sown seeds of distrust” in communities.

He said the corporation’s aim is to keep San Fernando safe and called on parents, teachers and religious organisations to rekindle the levels of communication and trust that was once in place with children. He commended people and organisations who assisted the southern city in its recent clean-up campaign. Regrello said the exercise included demolition of unauthorised structures, removal of derelict vehicles, de-silting of retention ponds and collection of bulk waste.

He said approximately 1,100 loads of bulk waste were removed while four structures were demolished and 75 vacant lots were cut and cleaned.