As we continue to play to age old game of politics of divide, conquer and rule, our country is fast becoming, in the words of President Richards, a Failed State as we consider crime, education, youth alienation and the many other ills too numerous to list. At which point would we think that it has reached the level that no longer can we simply turn the other direction and move on.
In particular, the children, the future, those we depend on to take us forward are neglected at every level. Daily we read about and see that in schools, a place designed to educate, they are killing each other, engaging in gang activity, not interested in education but rather the misguided lifestyle which those who fill the vacuum created by the failure of the authorities and the family afford them.
Not that they are doing all this on their own, in many instances they are assisted, directly and indirectly by adults, those who should be the positive role models that they can look toward for guidance, but they are getting that guidance, just not the type that will make them into positive contributors to society.
But it gets worst, not that it’s not bad enough, those who have not even experienced a full single drop of what life has to offer are being slaughtered daily, yes it’s a harsh term, but it’s fitting considering the manner in which some of these hideous acts are carried out.
Over the years we have lost several children in the most violent and inhumane manner.
Four-year-old Emily Anamanthodo lived a life of torture, she was raped, buggered, burnt with cigarettes and the inside of her mouth injured died after years of torture at the hands of people close to her.
Poor work by the authorities failed her in that no justice could be afforded.
Six year old Sean Luke Buggered until dead, his body found in a canefield near his home at Orange Valley, Couva.
Eight-year-old Hope Arismandez battered and bruised body was found in a canefield in the village of Petersfield, on the outskirts of Felicity.
Three-year-old Roshni Ramdial was pronounced dead on arrival at Chaguanas Health Centre. The child was beaten. Roshni’s death followed the deaths of several other children who were attacked and killed during the past few months.
Nine-month-old Rakeem Ricardo Clarke was clobbered to death with a dabla—thick wooden paddle used to flip roti.
Ten-year-old Tecia Henry, who was missing for four days, has been found dead and buried in a shallow grave beneath a house in Plaisance Terrace, Laventille. The body was discovered by a C.E.P.E.P. crew.
Even as Government continue to spend billions in its quest to become a developed nation, very little is being done to end this wave of senseless killing of our children. We need effective legislation along with enforcement. We need to ensure that this legislation is so designed that children are removed form situations which can lead to them being killed. We also need for there to be proper facilities to take care of children in such circumstances, these facilities must be so adequately funded that the best care can be given, effectively preparing these children to contribute to building a better society.
The present PM, whilst in opposition had this to say as the innocent were snuffed out, denied a chance to live, to play, to fall, to cry, to laugh, to learn, to become whatever they could.
“How many more must die? How many more of our children must die?”
Persad-Bissessar, who is a mother and grandmother, said when she learnt of Tecia’s death, “tears came to my eyes. Every mother is feeling that pain today.”
Then Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday said “It is a tragedy that the Government is unable to protect our people.”
Where is the urgency that is necessary to end the slaughter of innocence.
How many more?
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