UWI Prof: Strike balance between wealth, integrity

Professor of history, Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, has cautioned students not to strive for professional jobs just to enjoy money and power and lose their values, morals and ethics in the process.

Addressing students from eight secondary schools at a career fair held at the Nal Ramsingh Auditorium, Couva, last Wednesday, Teelucksingh told the form three students they must not only be concerned with obtaining “good jobs”–defined as being a doctor, lawyer or business owner–and owning a nice home.

“You must have morals and ethics, be honest in your dealings and relationships with others,” the University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer advised. He tempered his admonition by pointing out that while there was nothing wrong with wanting to acquire wealth, it should never be done at the expense of one’s integrity.

He said many people had great financial wealth but not the trust or respect of their own family and friends.

“What’s the use of wealth without respect?” he asked as he urged them to avoid friends who would lead them down the wrong path.

“Some friends might encourage you to smoke cigarettes or marijuana or abuse alcohol. Avoid these friends. The friends you choose will determine your future. Listen to the advice of your parents, elders and teachers. Their advice will be a strong foundation in life.”

The fair was jointly sponsored by the Rapidkidz Fire Foundation and the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber.

Rapidkidz president Kevin Ratiram implored the youths to embrace the free educational opportunities available to them, as in some countries it came at a high cost, while poverty, war and terrorism prevented others from being educated.

Attorney and independent senator Sophia Chote and former Trade minister Vasant Bharath also addressed the students.

Booths from Republic Bank, UTT, COSTAAT, NESC, the Police and Defence Force on display at the event.