A safer place

We have to endure the rigors of the natural elements – the sun and the rain – in our daily life. We are thankful for both, and at this time of the year we are happy for a few showers to provide us some relief from the intense heat of the sun.{{more}}

We have to contend with all the tropical insects from a variety of flies and ants trying to get into our food, to mosquitoes trying to draw blood from our bodies. Those of us who live near the road know the hazards of polluted air. We only have to observe the dirt that comes out of our curtains when we wash them to know what we inhale into our lungs. There is no doubt that we have to endure the natural elements at great pain and suffering, but do we have to contend with violent crimes with persons pitted against persons. Crime takes front page today. You only have to pick up the weekend news paper to read about another murder. The court news in all the newspapers paints a dismal picture of crimes in this country. Have we become a hateful people coveting our neighbor’s goods and inflicting pain and injury at will.

There was a time when Vincentians lived together in peace and harmony. I can only recall one murder in my early life. Is it that we no longer care about others? What about the sanctity of life? Have we lost our reason? We need to take some time for reflection. It is clear that we lost something with the last generation and we need to recapture what we lost.

The main focus is on the home. Parents must accept their role as the main influence in their children’s lives. If they do not accept their responsibilities, children will go astray. At the toddler stage many parents become exasperated by the activity of the child and sometimes give up on them. Parents must take their duty seriously and not leave discipline to the teachers. A well-disciplined child will have no problem at school. As in a relay game, if the parent passes over a well-behaved child, both the school and the child will benefit. The parents’ duties do not end when the teachers take over. The parents must be running alongside and take an active part in their children’s welfare.

Other persons in the community have a duty to help raise the child. You might say that it is not your business, but a rogue in the village does not promote your interest. So give a word of cheer when you can. Show some love and affection. Remember the boys and girls of today will be the men and women of tomorrow. You want to leave a good legacy. You do not want to be remembered as a bad tempered person. Your reward will be a quiet neighbourhood and loving neighbours, not criminals. Let us make the world a safer place for every one.

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.
E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com