Let's bring peace to Trinidad and Tobago once again

THE EDITOR: They come from all parts of the world to have a taste of our famous bake and shark, doubles, and all our other wonderful dishes. They come to have a swim in the Maracas waters, be a part of our fantastic culture, and visit the many beautiful sites all over TT.

Those people are just looking to have an enjoyable time and to relax in a peaceful place. So they leave their homelands and venture into the Caribbean. It is to our benefit that we provide what they seek, for they will return home and speak of what they have seen and enjoyed. It is up to us to restore that peace and safety for all living here and those visiting our shores.

The gang war must stop, for it is a big deterrent for everyone, not just visitors. With all the killings, all the gun violence, will our children be ever able to go freely outside to play without the fear that something can go wrong, at any time? Would we be able to walk the streets freely and visit places of recreation feeling comfortable and safe, day or night?

What our beautiful country needs is not just an increase in revenue or a turnaround of the economy, but for peace to once again visit us and for the useless bloodbaths to come to an end.

I recently listened to Richard "Nappy" Mayers's song Bring Back the Old Time Days and realised there are some things we can do with today, such as caring, looking out for each other and living in peace. But it is up to all of us to make those things a reality, beginning with our leaders and those responsible for the safety of the population.

Our country seems to be still losing the battle to bring crime under control. Our streets continue to be a shooting range for the gangs with their weapons of war, despite all the efforts to get them off the streets.

One of my most serious concerns is what those coming after us will have to deal with, for things are only getting worse. Therefore, we who are here today have the responsibility to leave a peaceful country for them. Let us continue to work and pray for a better TT where peace can find its rightful place.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH

via e-mail