In St. Lucia, we talk about the escalation in killings and the state of criminality on island but fail to realise that we are all responsible for the upsurge.
I say this to highlight that there is now an added form of killing known as character assassination, where people without knowing or just not caring about the facts, will post negative comments about each other, especially if they represent a political party different to the one they may support. So, despite the fact that the truth may be available and the facts are disputable, some people will go all out to tarnish the reputation of others.
The police, despite all the support given lately by the government, are still being blamed for the state of criminality, but not the mind-set of some employees. Parents now are too busy hustling to find time to instruct or guide their children towards a progressive lifestyle. Social groups and the media personnel cannot find or create the forum for discussion on the said subjects.
There is a disconnect between the positive and the negative and dealing with negativity seems acceptable and fraudulent behaviour is normal and accepted. Children cannot find time to be involved or participate in creative endeavours, but choose liming or hanging out on the block as their choice recreational time.
But sometimes I blame the system, because instead of creating spaces for recreational purposes they would rather secure space for paid parking lots for vehicles. Many get rich quick schemes seem very attractive to the people, so rather than retooling themselves with skills that can make them employable, or put them in a better position to help themselves, they go after the fast money, only to be scammed in their search for free and easy money.
In other words, we are killing ourselves in many ways, destroying each other and killing ourselves for all the wrong reasons.
Growth depends on positivity, but if destruction is our chosen way of life, then we are all responsible for what our society has become. We cannot condone negative behavior and say or do nothing, but still complain about the state of affairs, especially against crime.
We are the ones who close our eyes and say nothing and choose not to be a witness in court to seek or help get justice any negative actions that we are all aware exist.
Many want to change the government because the government is not filling their pockets with money, but cannot see their efforts in trying to make you more independent. We choose not to believe in ourselves, but want others to determine the direction we should choose.
Check the trend of ‘live quick and die fast’. Live for yourself, but not for others.
Fathers leave their offspring to be cared for by their mothers or others. Money is for rum, drugs, jewelry and fast bikes because it makes you macho, and while the system tries to do for them, all they rather do is give our country a bad name and have parents feel shame for who their children have turned out to be.
However, dealing with criminality has to start by redirecting our values, because, as long as we see nothing and say and do nothing, nothing will change.
That’s how it is and that’s how it will always be!