(Trinidad Guardian) Former Independent Senator Rev Daniel Teelucksingh fears that Trinidad and Tobago is becoming the “horror house of the Caribbean,” as he referenced the spate of murders and violence in the country. He said so as he delivered his Christmas morning sermon at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Claxton Bay.
Reflecting on the nation’s crime situation, Rev Teelucksingh called on citizens to stop blaming the media for highlighting the violence.
“Look at the screaming headlines. Fear, terror, anger, bloodshed, gun violence, and criminality dominate the news. Some like to blame the media, but they are simply trying to show us the truth. There is no doubt that families across this country cannot have a merry Christmas,” he said.
Teelucksingh lamented the persistent crime, referencing home invasions, kidnappings, and murders.
“Last weekend, I saw the headline announcing 600 murders. By the time it got old, it was 602. Now it is 608. We are listed as one of the world’s most dangerous countries,” he added.
Teelucksingh urged citizens to take responsibility for the state of the nation and not rely solely on political promises or elections to fix societal issues.
“Electoral ink will not change the hearts of men and women. We have stained our fingers over the years, yet the violence continues. Election next year will not change the lives of our people,” he said.
Despite the grim outlook, Teelucksingh expressed hope in the resilience of good people.
“I thank God for the righteous citizens who hold this country together. They are the backbone of this nation,” he said, emphasising the need for peace and unity.
He encouraged citizens to reject the despair of 2024 and embrace renewal in 2025.
“We cannot carry hopelessness into the future. The misery of this year must not pollute the time God has given us. Let us work together to make peace a reality in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.
He called for a collective effort to combat darkness and violence, urging citizens to have understanding and unity in a society fractured by crime.
