In the early hours of Sunday 1st October I awoke to put the finishing touches on this commentary the impetus to write which stemmed from my concern that our homicide rate is 4^th in the world. Little did I know that it was rising even then. I wish at this time to offer condolences to the family of Sergeant Benjamin and to express solidarity with the Police during these trying times. Sadly this country has seen too many bereaved families in recent months.

 

If over the past five years an increasing number of our young men had died from a mysterious illness we would be considering it a national epidemic. Indeed, we would have sought assistance from external agencies such as the Caribbean regional Epidemiological centre (CAREC) and together with a multidisciplinary task force, we would have systematically set out to identify the cause, lay out short, medium and long term plans, assess strengths and weaknesses, develop strategies and identify resources needed to achieve the goal which would ultimately be a significant reduction in the number of deaths. 

 

Fourteen homicides year to date, and a homicide rate that ranks fourth in the world must be considered a national epidemic worthy of a collaborative effort that goes beyond mere talk! A collaborative effort to look not just at tougher penalties as this will be less effective as long as there remains a fertile breeding ground for delinquency drug abuse and crime. We must scrutinize objectively and dispassionately all the determinants of crime chief among which I believe is an intolerable High School dropout rate of approximately 50% and all the contributing factors thereto.

 

 I read recently that the overall High school dropout rate in the US is 30% (blacks and Hispanics 50%). This is causing great concern for studies have also shown that High School dropouts are less likely to become constructively involved in the affairs of society. If these individuals feel marginalized and are uninvolved constructively they certainly are at a high risk for becoming involved destructively.

 

Historically, when we face these crime related crises, law-abiding citizens not knowing where to turn find it easy to turn on each other. Our current situation warrants a different approach whereby each of us could ask ourselves, "what can I do to improve anger management, conflict resolution, encourage self-worth and self-esteem, and stem the tide of hate, revenge and unforgiveness which is destroying our communities? We all have some roll that we can play and if we are not a part of the solution then we are in danger of becoming a part of the problem. It is in this spirit of taking responsibility that I would like to outline the following facts.

 

Shortly after the Labour administration replaced the PAM administration in 1995, I had the privilege of traveling to Cuba with the former Minister of Health Dr the Hon Earl Asim Martin and Minister of Agriculture the Hon Cedric Liburd on an observational mission. I attended in an advisory capacity as Director of Community Based health Services.

 

Two things impacted me tremendously, firstly the practice of having the elderly and the very young spend time together in a day-centre setting. This allowed for that countrys history and culture to be passed on from generation to generation while keeping the elderly young at heart because of their exposure to youthful energy. The second was a local festival, which demonstrated the rich Cuban culture in all its splendour. There were art and craft displays, drama, poetry and folk dancing.  Intrigued by it all, I thought that it would be nice to replicate these upon our return. Regarding the festivals, having also seen the "best village" competitions in Jamaica and Trinidad, I suggested the formation of village committees comprised of respected villagers from opposing political parties to co-ordinate these functions. These displays could be held either at one venue as part of a Carifesta-tpye week of activities or within the villages themselves and accompanied by a village beautification competition reminiscent of the "we just love this place programme." From a health point of view, these proposed functions could then be used as opportunities to set up promotional booths where healthy lifestyles would be advocated. The idea was to bring communities together in a non-partisan effort at a wholesome and healthy venture while at the same time enriching them educationally, culturally and spiritually.

Within a few months of our return, I heard an advertisement on the radio concerning the first festival of that new era. I arranged for two health workers to attend. From their reports it was not what we expected particularly in terms of opportunities and a conducive environment for health promotion but nevertheless a health representative was sent to the second in the series. We did not participate beyond that point.

 

This is not an attempt to apportion blame but to give background information as part of an earnest appeal to all concerned to make definitive changes to the format of these Festivals.

 

I accept that the festivals are not the only consideration and for some they may not appear to be a major issue but in this war on crime every battle is important. I also acknowledge that there may be some positives to these festivals but to my mind they have evolved into functions that not only detract our children from their focus on education but they provide a fertile breeding ground for lewdness, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and violence. When our homicide rate has risen to such astonishing figures, when at the last festival such a heinous act could take place with the Prime Minister in the environment it is time to be silent no more. It is time for us to say jam sessions and whatever portion of these festivals does not enhance education, sports, and healthy social and cultural practices but rather promotes moral decadence and violence must go!

You may well ask "why now?" I speak now because of partisan politics but out of concern for our extraordinarily high crime rate and our growing educational divide. Out of concern that these year-round carnival type activities are increasingly becoming a health hazard to our youth in particular. I would like to make a special appeal to all concerned citizens to let your voices be heard. I believe business organizations that sponsor these events can use their influence perhaps through the Chamber of Industry and commerce to ensure that the unsavoury aspects of these festivals are abandoned. I appeal to community organizers to transform them into something wholesome, healthy and positive. I also appeal to the Police and the Army to voice your concern. Indeed your anxiety levels must rise with each succeeding event and your health and family lives must be seriously affected. Ultimately you put your very lives on the line. Safer and fundamentally improved festivals can go a long way towards minimizing your workload particularly in this your time of difficulty.

 

 I appeal to the overworked medical staff who not only have to deal with more emergencies but higher levels of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancies and indeed down the road a potential epidemic of deafness not to mention other negative health and immune system effects from exposure to the type of music associated with these jam sessions. Music which is often disrespectful and degrading of women, music that arouses negative and violent energy and seems to incense our youth not just to wuk-up but also to kick-up, stab-up and shoot up!

I appeal to teachers who must feel first hand the effects of the many distractions on the educational process. Let us sound our voices and start somewhere. Our nations entire future is at stake.

 

I appeal to concerned parent, civic organizations and members of the press to who have a vested interest in the healthy development of our youth.

 

Children need to be set limits if they are to feel secure and loved. It is those youths who cannot always go where they want, when they want dressed how they want: those who have to go to church and pathfinders, brownies and boy scouts, girls brigade and cadet corps   who are more likely to become productive members of society and less likely to become drop-outs no matter what their social or financial background. As parents we have a responsible to take care of our childrens needs to the best of our ability. As for their wants and desires I believe they must satisfy the criteria of being both beneficial to them and affordable if they are to be supplied. As a parent myself I submit that in their current format these festivals are not good for our nations youth neither can our country afford them and I do not mean in a financial sense.

 

I make a special appeal to the church community, which should be the voice of moral clarity and a force for social change. In days of old, the prophets were held accountable when the national went astray consequently I believe it is time for the church to take a definitive and united stand on events such as these festivals and anything else that contributes to social and moral decline. I believe that as the church goes so goes our nation and so will our policies.

I would like to make an appeal to all Ministers of Government and a special appeal to the Minister of National Security who has expressed his concern in passionate interviews in the wake of these violent incidents.  Our people are our greatest resource and anything than can negatively affect their health and well-being is of paramount importance. I believe it is time for a critical analysis of these festivals with a view to making positive changes placing more emphasis on the things that would enhance the development of our youth. Our children need to know that real happiness does not come from seeking personal pleasure but by being a joy to their fellowman. They need to understand that destiny and purpose will be unfulfilled if we do not look beyond immediate self-gratification. They need to be taught that while forgiveness is a gift we choose to give ourselves unforgiveness is a poison we choose to take. These messages can be conveyed in healthy, creative tools of poetry and drama.

 

In closing let me say that as we pray for the bereaved and pray for our nation let us remember that our Creator loves us whoever we are, wherever we are and with all our flaws. That revelation can change our lives and we can in turn change our nation with love. May God bless you and God bless our nation.