Anglican Dean:

Dean Knolly Clarke yesterday called for a programme on ethical and moral discipline for the Police, Fire Services and Defence Force.

“We want moral soldiers,” said Clarke as he addressed the thanksgiving service at the Trinity Cathedral, Hart Street, marking the 44th anniversary of the TT Regiment.

During his homily, Clarke said there were three primary institutions which contributed to the foundations of social life: the family, education system and religious community.

In this context he said a good family life contributed to a good soldier. Clarke said, “We want soldiers from good families with integrity and honesty.”

He said family life should be encouraged among soldiers since a good family life contributed to a good soldier. He said, “We want soldiers who are positive on the streets.”

Clarke said the challenge facing TT is the family. He said households have become dysfunctional and in disarray with violence, abuse of power, deviant sexual behaviour, drugs, poverty and other issues. He also mentioned corruption in high places.

Clarke said families had to learn again to be families by being each other’s keeper, adults respecting children and guardians being responsible.

He said schools had to take responsibility to function properly. Clarke said education must facilitate the development of God given talents. Clarke said, “The home plants the seed and the school develops what is planted.” He said there must be dialogue between the home and school for the development of the child.

Commenting on the role of the church, Clarke said it must empower. He said too often church and religion missed the mark. He said the focus was on playing the numbers game and concentrating on filling pews. Clarke said the home, school and church were responsible for the moral and spiritual character of individuals and could transform lives.

Officiating at the service were Defence Force Chaplin, Rev Canon Matthew Gray; Fr Matthew Ahye, Op and Clarke.