THE EDITOR: Please allow me some space in your newspaper to convey my deep appreciation for the present efforts of the parliamentary representatives for Laventille East-Morvant, Mr Fitzgerald Hinds and that of Laventille West, Ms Eulalie James, in an effort to deal with the crime situation in these constituencies, especially gang warring.

Their efforts for some are seen as late, but should not be underestimated since it joins with other activities aimed at ridding the Laventille Community of yet another negative. These Parliamentary Representatives’ hosting of various seminars and discussions on the subject not only has aroused awareness, but also engendered a deep sense of confidence that each person can and must play his or her part in resolving the situation. This community spiritedness and pro-activeness, are reflected in the emergence of ideas, projects and programmes that are restoring confidence and hope for a better Laventille. Of course there is much more to be done by way of tempering minds and cooling down of the aggression that has characterised the present volatile situation.

I have listened to and read the many Laventille-centric concerns and projects/plans of personalities such as Archbishop Barbara Burke, Moham-med Shabbaz and Lennox Smith; all of whom have demonstrated an indivisible love for the people of Laventille. Probably the most telling expression of this Laventille love affair has found expression in the now reduced “Morvant Laventille Improve-ment Organisation Trade Complex” whose brilliant yellow shirts and black pants and skirts were proudly worn by hundreds of youths from all over Laventille on the way to their respective training courses at Fernandes Compound. In those days (the 80’s and early 90’s) all of the people of Laventille were proud.

In this wonderful period too there was very little youth delinquency to be found in Laventille, and the MLIO project was considered the reason for that. Maybe the resuscitation of this successful programme is yet the solution to the crisis of idleness, hopelessness and suspension of traditional, spiritual and moral values among our youths. Mr sister’s son is now a policeman, having graduated from MLIO’s Trade School. I also know of many others who went on to conduct their own businesses, travel abroad as skilled persons and others are employed in a number of industries in Trinidad and Tobago. The Parliamentary Representatives and the Government may wish to consider a similar type project utilising the techniques developed by MLIO that have worked for so many years and have kept many out-of-school and at-risk youths out of trouble.

GLORIA MATHEWS
Belmont

THE EDITOR:
His name was Selwyn, Nathaniel, Ebenezer, Frederick Beckles.
Most of his friends called him Beck.
But Angela Cato called him Selwyn.
Beck was a well-rounded person,
A true all-rounder excelling in both academ
ics and sports.
An A-student who captained the cricket and    
soccer teams at Mausica Teachers College.
Leader of The Glory Guys, bass singer,
calypsonian,
***t-talker, par excellence and dancero.
Yes, man, meh pardner coulda real dance.
Just ask Bernadette Lacey and Carol Burnett.
Yes, man, he used tuh gimme some tough
competition.
Beck was smooth; bad fuh days.
Winner of the “Dirtiest Sneakers” contest.
He was one of my few friends who owned a
car back in the late sixties.
Don’t ask me the make and model.
It was a small blue car, a matchbox, that took
us to Harry’s in Arima to get refreshments
for ah campus lime.
That used to be real fun.
Thanks Beck for your warm friendship and
the pleasant memories.
It was a pleasure knowing you.
May God continue to bless and comfort your
loved ones:
your mother, Dorrel and the children and you
host of family and friends.
And may you, my dear friend, forever rest in
peace.

RODNEY DOLPHUS FOSTER
Stone Mountain, GA

THE EDITOR: Glenn McGrath must not be spared our indignation when in the last and final test at Antigua, he demonstrated an attitude of crude, unadulterated poor behaviour never seen in the game in the region by a public brought up in a colonial past that has left a legacy of respect and good manners in those who by similar experience in the colonial environment consider good exemplary standards.

The reason for Mc Grath’s behaviour could not have emanated from such simple “mortal” as Ramnaresh Sarwan. the diminutive Guyanese young player, who in the prime of his career needs exemplars within the environment of the game where he can develop respect and even administration in the learning period. To be publicly cautioned, even scolded, for reasons better known by his opposing counterpart must have been a dreadful experience. Mc Grath pointed fingers menacingly, as if to encourage a rebuff from Sarwan who did not even raise a finger to show disgust or remorse. A very cautious Sarwan gained our admiration demonstrating his restraint. He must be admired for a quality best needed in this trying circumstance. The incident took place at a time when the West Indies were near to 70 runs for victory and Sarwan approaching his 2nd Test century that was vital to him and indeed his team.

It could not be unreasonable to believe that maybe it was Glenn McGrath’s intention to intimidate and diminish the confidence of the batsman by affecting his performance and the outcome of the game. Cricket is a gentleman’s game; the Australians as our colonial counterparts have been always nearer to the Crown than we are and this embarrassing incident has created doubts as to the usefulness the game has brought into the lives of those who participate. If this is the manner the Australians wish to say “Thank you” for the hospitality extended to them during the tour, cricket has done little, if anything at all to them in the years they have been engaged in this game. The Australians have always been respected in the game and as a people recognised for their persistence, tenacity and grit. What effect this incident would have on their admirers would have to be revisited in the years. 

The West Indies Cricket Board deserves an apology from Glenn McGrath, the captain and the Australian Cricket Board as they were not only the competing team but our guests in the Caribbean. There is much to be done to repair this damage caused by this incident to ensure a spirit of goodwill that is intended to be developed from these games.

W H BENJAMIN
Valsayn Park South

THE EDITOR: I would like to add my two bits to the many congratulations to the West Indies team on their sterling performance displayed in winning the 4th Test match versus the Australians, particularly to the rookie Omari Banks and veteran Vasbert Drakes.

In spite of the hostile and accurate bowling, the sledging and confrontations on the field, the many bad decision by the umpires, the team persevered with grit and determination, and especially the calm demeanour of the final pair on the last day. However, I beg the media and public not to overdo the celebrations over this victory, or the WI team to get carried away like they did after the defeat of South Africa on the first One Day match of the World Cup, for there is a lot more work required and much room for improvement before we can feel that we are over the “slump.”

Our fielding, catching, running between the wickets, throwing in from the outfield to the wicket, and needless to say bowling good line and length, need a lot of work. These aspects are of prime importance especially in the One Day form of the game as we move into that phase of the tour. Then to be followed by a Test Match and One Day matches versus Sri Lanka in June. Keep your heads on boys, and continue to be focussed and determined and work on your shortcomings with diligence. Best of luck to you all.

SHIRLEY KELSICK
St Ann’s

THE EDITOR: What would happen if the Commission of Inquiry into the Airports Authority comes to the conclusion that there was impropriety, incompetence or incorrigible behaviour on the side of those involved in its existence?

Why are we, the taxpayers, having to pay fat pay cheques to those lawyers to sit and listen to the nonsense and mistakes which people make when they are in high positions? Come on TT … I guarantee that nothing is going to come out of this Inquiry and we are just making some people very rich.

B SANDY
Maraval