Dear Editor,
There was once a time when we thought robberies, murders, violence, and grand theft auto would be something one would see in action-packed movies with famous actors. Now, it’s more of a nightmare on a daily basis in our country.
Seventy per cent of criminals are from broken homes, a study shows; single mothers, single fathers, abusive relationships, victims of domestic violence. However, there are many broken homes that produced great leaders and motivational successes that should be an inspiration to all. Let us stop playing the blame game and own up to our actions and responsibilities; we make decisions either to be good or the opposite.
There was a story with a family of two sons; the father was an alcoholic, came home when drunk and abused his wife in front of the boys. One grew up to be an alcoholic and did the same as his late father and the other became a successful businessman. When questioned, the alcoholic son said his “dad taught [him] to do those things as a child growing up.” When the successful son was questioned, he answered, “My dad taught me the things I shouldn’t do while growing up.” So it’s all about using the hardships and merely flipping them to become inspirations and lessons to educate the others trapped in such tragedy.
As the Christmas season is underway, we should focus on spending time with family, visit loved ones, be kind, and make someone smile. The little things make the changes needed and then it spreads like a ripple as when you throw a rock into a bucket of water. Moreso, this should be practiced on an average day not necessarily for the jovial season.
People should not be shy in seeking help and third party help. It could be a psychologist, a social worker, an impartial family member (from the immediate or extended family), or a trusted friend, who may be able to help see what one might be missing and thereby take control of a worsening situation affecting family ties. Everyone ought to find good in each other to make our lives richer, happier and be nobler in our relationships. We all know that that’s unmistakably too precious to lose or ruin. That just might be the key for setting excellent examples in interpersonal dealings for younger generations to learn from, remember the older generation by, and uphold with pride.
So let us all come together the same way we unite during the Caribbean Premier League and put Guyana on the map for greater reasons other than the crime rate.
Yours faithfully,
Julius Seunarine
