Big League?

The biggest shock for me was the incident related on the back page of the “Searchlight newspaper” last week Friday, July 18, 2014. After all the reports about the killing in SVG, the shocker came with the news that there was a cocaine fight. It is shocking to know that little St Vincent is in the big league and a war over ownership of cocaine is being fought in our midst.{{more}}

The above is no doubt about money, because to get it thus far would mean expenses. Money is important, but why is there such an emphasis on it. Must there be a battle to acquire it? Is there a need to accumulate it at any cost? We do not need an overwhelming amount of money to spend on food. Hence it is not about food, because there is sufficient. We cannot eat more than we need, not with all these lifestyle diseases that afflict us when we over indulge. It is not about clothes, because many people wear uniforms and look just as good. Is it about a big house, but how much space do we need, unless we have many children to shelter? In fact, so many people spend the last of their days in one room in a nursing home. Is it worth it? Most of what we crave is available if one is diligent and hardworking. Hence what I consider the essentials in life – food, clothes and shelter are available to all. Most people live comfortable lives and are happy and contented without involvement in dangerous enterprises. It must be greed to profit in this way.

It is difficult to understand what moves people to get into such dangerous enterprises because they are not only exposing themselves to danger, but also damaging the lives of others. Without demand, there would be no supply. It is said that some people get into it casually, and get stuck forever. Thousands of lives are forever damaged and that is why it is important to continue to teach our children to say no to drugs. When we say yes, we become instrument of others. There are those who try it out of curiosity. This is dangerous, because one might not be strong enough to resist the addictive effect. There is so much information today that it is amazing that persons are still drawn to it, but then this is not a perfect world. I would hope that our people are not so addicted and that the shipment was not meant for us.

The law has punishment for the users and traffickers. The law is especially firm when it comes to the traffickers, because they are the ones who initiate people into drug usage. Unfortunately, sometimes it is the weakest link in the chain that is caught, so the trade goes on.

Parents must be warned that there are many drugs out there that can significantly transform the lives of their children. It means that they have to be vigilant always looking out for the smallest sign. Children experiment and then bring in their friends. Peer pressure could be especially compelling and destructive. Children must understand the dangers of drugs. It is an expensive habit and it could lead to stealing to support the habit. Treat your body well and keep it healthy.

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.

E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com