Education to liberate from anger, hate

Reverend Daniel Teelucksingh
Reverend Daniel Teelucksingh

AS THE country grapples with an ever increasing murder rate with boys and girls becoming part of the statistics, a Presbyterian minister is telling students currently writing exams, that they are the hope for the future. He said they can use academic pursuits to liberate TT from the avalanche of anger and hate.

The last week began and ended with the murder of two 14-year old students. Last week Monday, Luke Williams, 14, was shot dead at a St James liquor store. The proprietor said the boy and another man attempted to rob his business place.

Then on Friday night, Naomi Nelson was killed during a shoot out between police and gunmen at Big Yard in Carenage. Nelson, who was liming on the road when the shootout took place, was struck by a stray bullet. Two others were also killed.

Commenting on the spate of murders, the majority which have been committed by guns, Rev Daniel Teelucksingh in his address at Naparima Girls’ High School's Faith and Confidence service, emphasised that the "pen is mightier than the gun."

From the pulpit of the Susamachar Presbyterian Church in San Fernando, Teelucksingh told Form Five and Six students writing the May-June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (CAPE) exams, to thank God, their parents and teachers that they have survived to write this test.

“Our society’s hope is in you our 33,000 youths and those of last year, and the years to come. Your education can open several doors. Exams, plus a high sense of morality and the best in human values is within your reach.

“See your academic pursuits as instruments to liberate TT from the avalanche of anger, hate and spite, jealousy and cruelty which generate horrific criminality and social discord,” Teelucksingh said.

“Ours today, is a service of Faith and Confidence, but in whom and what in TT do we have faith when so many systems fail us? State authorities and governance agencies continue their dismal performance?” He also commented on the harsh dry season and the impact on communities.

“It is no secret that during this dry season, human thirst is on the rise, plus the devastation of livestock and garden crops. In a land of plenty water in the rainy season, people have long lost faith and confidence in WASA but have reserved their trust in God who will send the rains to save us."

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"Education to liberate from anger, hate"

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