Tragedy and synergy

The rising, muddy waters had people frightened and frustrated.

But even in tragedy, some Trinis can make space for a lime. In one case, it looked like a flood-fete. A man in Debe cleaning a duck near a table occupied with rum and coke. In deep water, and facing Ian Alleyne’s cameras, they were complaining but jovially eyeing the unlucky duck. The threatening floods, distressed faces and noisy complaints with politicians present were made-to-order elements for television. And here is where Synergy television captured the moments — earning repeated thanks from worried, anxious callers.

The other tragedy is the seemingly rising stream of young men robbing, shooting and killing their way to wasted lives. The two captured boys alleged “inhumane treatment” at St Michael’s. Police reported that one of the boys was sent to the institution for his alleged involvement in the robbery and murder of former soldier Calvert James last February. But while Bret surprised us, the “violent youth” phenomenon should not. Many had pointed that out. How can public policy help create civic-minded, stable families? As far back as 1997, for example, 56 percent of the 134 boys examined at St Michael’s were there for “running away from home and being beyond parental control.” Over 35 percent were there for illegal drugs and robbery. Almost 50 percent came from single-parent homes, with 22 percent under “guardians.” More than half of them reached only primary school. (St Michael’s entitled to contain boys under 16).

Seventy percent felt sorry for the offences committed, blamed themselves and accepted responsibility.

This and other ameliorative responses gave us a basis for making 18 recommendations to Ministry of Social Development for systematic rehabilitation. (See Deosaran and Chadee, Juvenile Delinquency in Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Journal of Criminology and Social Psychology, 1997 (2)).

At 12.45 pm last Tuesday, my neighbour phoned: “Look at channel Synergy, since morning they showing the flood.” At that time, I was on other channels which had no flooding pictures. Synergy TV had minute by minute dedicated coverage, from Siparia, Woodland, Debe, New Grant, San Fernando to Port of Spain — all helped by footage sent in by citizens. In such moments of public anxiety, shared experiences are therapeutic. Residents couldn’t help repeating their thanks to Synergy host, Yvan Bir.

Callers not only explained their flooding problems, but expressed appreciation for Synergy’s community service.

From morning, and all through 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, Synergy continuously brought flood pictures and residents’ concerns and complaints.

Citizens saw for the first time on TV, the Mosquito Creek flooding, snakes, fallen lamp-posts, fallen trees, drowned vehicles, Xtra Foods grocery sending hampers, overflowing Caparo and Caroni rivers, residents walking in flood waters three to four feet high, flooded main roads from Manzanilla to Debe — almost every thing brought down by bad Bret. And residents quarrelling about stuffed drains, lawless developers, absent politicians etc. And there was Synergy doing a heart-felt community service for which there was lavish public appreciation.

That Tuesday afternoon, Synergy showed regional corporation chairman, Dr Allan Sammy, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and MP Dr Roodal Moonilal mobilising help. Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein who, seeing the rising flood, exclaimed, “I can’t believe my eyes.” He added: “Each of the 14 corporations has a responsibility to make themselves accessible to help residents.” MP Rushton Paray had his hands full down Mayaro while later, Mayor Regrello and San Fernando West MP Faris Al-Rawi appeared, promising help. Works Minister Rohan Sinanan and PM Dr Rowley then appeared in some flooded areas, noting that Government had grants available. By this time, all TV stations were on the ball. But Synergy’s service captured public gratitude, ma k ing the Bret t r a g e - dy a bit l i g ht e r to bear.

Are our m e d i a prepared for a national disaster?