Laventillians can make it if they try

THE EDITOR: Sir, there are few in the Laventille community who have given more in the name of community than one whom I consider a good friend and Laventille-centric philanthropist. I refer here to none other than the hardworking and dedicated Mr Lennox Smith. From my personal knowledge, he sprang into the limelight from very innocuous beginnings, fuelled by strong emotions.

These emotions orbit around fairness, a sense of justice, love and concern for one’s fellow man. These were qualities that were instilled in all who came in contact with “papa Emmanuel Smith”, Lennox’s father. Papa Smith was stern and industrious, but always willing to assist a neighbour or two. I am therefore not surprised that Lennox chose the path of service to his fellow Laventillians. All who know will tell of his incessant discourse on the socio-economic situation in Laventille. Every Government since the NAR has received position documents on how to address the Laventille issue from this experienced man. I know of no other (past or present) who has put in such clarity the complex amalgam of leadership, training needs and the potential economic prospects of Laventille, utilising the existing human and physical resources of the area. It is always a pleasure to hear him espouse these subjects on the many media programmes that would have him. It is now becoming common place to regurgitate the “leader rubric” he has analysed.

Similarly people are realising that Laventille sits on potentially the most expensive piece of real estate in the country. I certainly have, after listening to Smithy’s explanation. He displays an academic prowess as any I know. Maybe it comes from his teaching background or the many academic and practical experiences to which he has been exposed over time. Few are unaware of his interest in law, entrepreneurial development and criminology; the latter two for which he is amply qualified having, received a Commonwealth Secretariat Scholarship to the Barbados Institute of Business and Management and the holder of a Diploma in Criminology from the Institute of Applied Science since 1980 (in the United States). I think the first stage of the transformation for Laventille is taking place in the minds of residents. With every initiative, Lennox has demonstrated what is possible with clarity of thought and a good plan with incremental measurable successes. The MLIO Trade School from which thousands of at-risk youths graduated to the police service, the army and major industries; in addition to the implicit training of those who now dedicate their lives to indigenous service organisations dedicated to Laventille, his institution of welfare projects and a continuous programme of self-development, self-initiative and self-reliance are now beginning to seep into the psyche of Laventille. As he would say, “We Can Make It If We Try”; and the cliche must be “If Laventille Can Do, Any Other Part Of The Country Can”. In short he influenced many lives in positive ways.

We must not falter as a community. The national community is watching at how we address social issues. In this regard the recently concluded seminar/workshop on Crime Eradication In Laventille hosted by Laventille (Held at the Trinidad Hilton, the Hotel Normandie, Despers Facility and the Crowne Plaza); and the success or failure of it will be the measures by which the rest of the country who will judge our maturity and collective will to divest ourselves of the stigma, alienation and negative battering Laventille has been receiving. The responsibility is on all of us. Mr Smith, Episcopus Archbishop Barbara Gray Burke, Mohammed Shabbaz, Sean Francis, Petty John, the religious leaders, Keith Smith and politicians by themselves cannot do it. It is all of us working together, the resident teachers, police officers, the nurse, the prison officer, the parents etc. must be involved in this process of Laventille transformation.

ALFRED GEORGE
Trou Macaque