Murder, rape of children acceptable?

THE EDITOR: I was so overcome by sadness at the death of 13-year-old Joash Pantin (RIP) that I am moved to write this letter.

I start by asking if the Prime Minister, President or the Commissioner of Police had lost a child or family member through murder, would they not feel motivated to change how this country has become and to ensure no child dies like that again?

Is the murder, rape and sexual abuse of our children now acceptable?

Countless innocent lives have been lost through murderous acts in the last two decades. Crime of every description has been soaring out of control in this tiny country and the politicians and others in positions of authority need to be proactive in stopping people being murdered or preyed upon.

Serial murderers roam free in Trinidad with impunity. The culpability of the present and past governments is shockingly obvious.

Why do the people not rise up and demand a government fit for purpose and hold it accountable? We put the government there and we can boot it out.

Where are our religious leaders? Where are the people with moral integrity? Where are our educationists and youth leaders who should be ensuring and representing our children’s right?

Where are all the mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc (not necessarily blood) who should be demanding a safe country in which our children can grow and develop without fear of being kidnapped, murdered or sexually exploited?

Do those in their gated community (or with bodyguards) believe their life “behind bars” is normal/right, that they don’t have to think of others?

I implore the people of TT not to become, like the Government, inert to the burgeoning serious crime and criminality.

Too many lives are being lost. A movement for change is necessary. We owe it to our lost brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, wives, uncles, aunts, in-laws, grandparents, cousins, neighbours and friends.

ANGELA ABRAHAMS via e-mail

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"Murder, rape of children acceptable?"

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