Crime affecting family life

Businesswoman and philanthropist Hannah Janoura yesterday said escalating crime is having an impact on the way people spend quality time with their families.

At her annual Christmas bazaar at the Trinidad Hilton, St Ann’s, Janoura said people are very despondent about a lot of things.

“We need a big change in the country. We need to address the situation of crime. Something must be done about it and I don’t think the government is working hard enough to address the situation. We need to fix it first because people are really scared to go out and do different things with their families. They are staying more at home.”

Janoura said crime, coupled with the downturn in the economy, has negatively affected ticket sales for her event. She said in the past many of her regular vendors would purchase two display tables at $800 each. But this year they have only been able to purchase one.

“We have sold 500 Santa tickets and also prepared 100 extra gifts for those who did not come early enough to purchase a ticket. It started off very slow but it picked up in the later half. Although there were cutbacks, we managed to sell all 80 tables so the vendors could have the opportunity to showcase and sell their items.”

She said the event, held for the past 27 years, continues to get better.

Vendors yesterday showcased gifts, toys, decorations, handbags, household items and different foods.

With less than 56 days before Christmas, scores of people crowded the ballroom area as they moved from table to table looking and pricing items on sale.

Many children waited in line to receive gifts as they were greeted by Mr and Mrs Claus.