April 14, 2004

Dear Sir,

When I read the article on gang violence 'If it isn't females, it's turf' in this morning I just closed the paper in disbelief. I am a mother of a younger teenager who could very well have been one of those young thugs on the weekend causing terror. The difference is, he was not part of it and does not want to be part of it. We are parents that spend time with our children. We want the best for our children and we make sure that we continuously talk to our children. One of the most important things is to listen to your children and not only to what they say but also what they don't say.

We are an average family; we are not rich in any way. We pay our way just like the next person. In fact, we ourselves have a past. We know all too well about the street life and what it brings. At the end of the day it brings lots of pain and negativity. That's all. There is no major difference today than yesterday. Our kids are now selling the drugs that we used to sell and we the parents, who used to be drug pushers are now the users of those drugs being sold. The children are feeling power from selling drugs and being able to buy whatever they want. Drug selling provides instant gratification, which in time will lead to major other issues ? drug usage. These children usually drop out of school, because who needs school now?

The wars come because there are many parishes and many different groups that are selling drugs in these various areas. It is very evident who is doing the selling.You would have to be Ray Charles if not to see it. Why can't the Police see the same thing we see? Maybe there are still some dirty cops that needs to be identified and removed from the department. What do you think?

All these children or thugs want to be viewed as the 'Top Dog'. They are threatened when they perceive someone else from another parish as making moves on their so-called territory. This causes them apparent disrespect. They can't afford to have this happen so they go to extremes to protect their precious little industries. I don't care what they try to say to the public, it is primarily over drugs and protecting their sales. That's it in a nutshell. The younger kids are the 'wannabes'. They hang around with the older thugs looking to do anything that will get them some attention. All they want is to be accepted and needed.

Parents need to be more involved in their children's lives. There are many parents out there truly trying and they do have hardships. They are either single or have to work more than one job. I know because I've done that. I sacrificed and went to school with all kinds of drama in my life and added value to myself so that a year or so down the road I would be able to provide for my family. So, I don't want to hear the excuses. It can be done. Government provides monies to people to further their education if they don't have it ? so what's your excuse?

I see many of these people crying poverty in the holiday lines buying all kinds of clothing to wear to this and that game. The mothers have their nails done every other week and hair to match. They have the best handbags. The fathers have the best wheels on their cars and I can go on an on. It's about sacrifice. We are a spoiled country and just expect to keep having things given to us. Work for it and appreciate it. What some of these parents should do is take the money that they find for these materialistic luxuries and put it toward an education that will add value to themselves.

Then, we have the absent parents. Those are the parents who have chosen a life of drugs over bringing up their children. Their children have been left to grandparents and other relatives. I say chosen because it is a choice. With all the drama I have had in my life, no father and I can go on. I am not on drugs so spare me the sad stories. Grow up and look after your children. You brought them into the world not your parents. There should be a law to hang these parents in one of the stools in St. George's and beat them in front of the whole community.

I know that sounds deep but that's how I feel when I see lots of angry kids who don't give a you know what because look at their parents strung out on crack doing all kinds of things to get it. No parents around to hug and love them. I don't want to hear how hard it is to get off drugs. I don't want to hear about a failed system. The only thing failing is you. Get a life and stop the madness. I ave seen people turn their lives around without going overseas to do it and without any major obstacles ? because people stopped baby-sitting them. They stopped enabling them and they had to choose to get help and get their lives on track. These people are still sober today,looking after they kids again and being responsible for their lives.

So, here is what I feel the problem is ? drugs and missing parents. A good hard crack and I mean the good old fashion crack across your mouth for being disrespectful wouldn't hurt once in a while. I had it and I am not out there causing terror to other people and I am not abusing my kids from experiencing the cracks I received when I was younger; just in case we get the Coalition responding to this letter. Think about it. I will not sit around and let these disrespectful thugs take over my neighbourhood. Will you? Join forces and sit on the walls where they sit and see if it is about girls. You will be surprised. You will definitely hurt their sales. I guarantee it. I dare you, try it.

SAVE IT!

St. George's