Remembering those left behind

THE EDITOR: Consistently, I am reminded of those who are being left behind in our society. As I walk around, upon our streets and in our communities. Also as I read our dailies and view our local TV stations. You have to be really naïve not to notice that there are thousands of individuals of all ages who are being left behind in our sweet TT.

Recently, I heard of individuals stealing school books from book stores. This is something new to my ear, but maybe I was not listening over the years. While some of us can afford three square meals a day and if more is needed there is no problem.

Yet, I am well aware that there are those households that do not know what it is to have one proper meal for the day, and that is just trying to be moderate here. Children who are at home, unable to go to school because they lack the money to purchase what is required to do so.

The late Mighty Shadow did sing that poverty is hell. Believe me, with all the well-stocked groceries and supermarkets all across TT, there are those families who can only window-shop. They do not have what it takes to purchase the basic items in these places. How many homes all across our twin island do not have a proper supply of tap-borne water with all the promises made in the years gone? You visit one community, and the people there are living in what I call the 21st century, and you then visit other communities and wonder what on earth is taking place there — poor roads, problems with water, and do not be surprised if there is no electricity; they are left behind with very little of a better tomorrow. I am appealing to those who have the power to bring about change to please look at those communities, villages and settlements where many resides.

They are people who need help, and they seem to be living in a different world, one of gloom and despair, with no one to turn to. In the mix are also children who are barely getting by. To those responsible, visit your constituents and see what is taking place. I hold strongly to the view that lack and poverty can drive people to criminal behaviour; this is the reality that we live in and should not be ignored.

Here is a quote by Mother Teresa: “The greatest disease in the West today is not tuberculosis or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.”

And Nelson Mandela: “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”

And Pope John Paul II: “A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members.”

In TT, we do have a lot of work to do if no one is going to be left behind. Let us do it together, making TT a better place for all.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH

San Juan