End State dependency syndrome for Laventille

THE EDITOR: The thoughts of Muhammud Shabazz, recently expressed at a meeting with the Prime Minister about the problems in Laventille, are reflective of a large section of people in society. While the focus was on Laventille, one can safely suggest that his views can apply elsewhere. The first point is that somebody is responsible for solving the social problems, the “crisis” in Laventille, especially the Government/State. So, “we feel there is a responsibility on the powers-that-be to make sure that some people in Laventille partake of the wealth of the country seriously.” Or “generations have seen their parents voting for a particular party. That party has a responsibility to ensure that a lot of development work is done.”

So there are demands for even more Government/State welfare in Laventille despite the fact that billions of dollars have been spent, and continue to be spent, on that area over the years by the PNM and other governments. Now it is being argued as though it is a right. Clearly, this strategy has not worked. What is necessary is for the Government to withdraw its welfare programmes and allow these citizens, like all others, to depend on their own efforts and to eliminate the state dependency syndrome and be more self-reliant. Those who run afoul of the law must be dealt with accordingly — one does not take care of the needs of people from the cradle to the grave, and hope by throwing money at this type of problem one can reduce anti-social and anarchic behaviour.

There is a negative obsession with race. Shabazz said that “in Laventille from the time you have white skin you’re more or less the enemy.” Black consciousness underpins everything he says and he sees the world in terms of race, like the “East Indian businessman to ask for assistance” or “the successful East Indian stays in his village.” The solution to the problems of Laventille is to reduce the state welfare-ism in this area and among black people generally, and to engage in self-reliant development, at a personal level to begin with.

Carnival and the culture of fete must be eliminated and more strict values must be developed. This lifestyle is producing socially dysfunctional people such as “mothers with five children from different fathers.” One cannot forever blame slavery, white people, et al, or even the Government, for this situation. The State and other sections of the nation do not owe Laventille anything. Anyone engaging in crime or who poses a threat to the security of the society must be dealt with firmly. Massive State expenditure has not eliminated social problems of Laventille and will not do so in the future. At a minimum, Shabazz must be grateful for those who are assisting the area such as Servol, FEEL and others.

KHASTRA SINGH
Couva