THE EDITOR, Sir:
I DID not know Hugh Crosskill personally, but on hearing of his untimely demise, I cried. I cried not only for him but for Louise Frazer-Bennett whose daughter suffered the same fate as Mr. Crosskill. She too was on drugs and died from stab wounds.
These deaths in succession should serve as a 'wake-up call' to the society at large. We can no longer sit by and bury our heads in the sand and heap condemnation on those who have fallen victim to this scourge that is taking over the country, believing that "it can't happen to me."
Drug abuse is real: it has no class barrier and is wreaking havoc in the society. We should at least use these two experiences as an 'eye opener.'
I grew up in a situation where my school bag would be searched every night and I would not be allowed to keep not even a pencil if it was not given to me by my mother who was a single parent. She never spared the rod either, which is now being interpreted as 'child abuse.'
Parents, I beseech you, let's play more active roles in our children's lives. Most times there are 'tell tale' signs, showing us that our children are going down the wrong path but oftentimes we are too blind to see because of other activities that have taken over our lives.
There needs to be more family union and fellowship in the home with our children. The plazas and the fast food restaurants have now taken the place of the bonding of families over a good cooked meal around the dining tables; sharing jokes, discussing of matters relating to school and work.
The freedom that is afforded to young people today, where they are given thousands of dollars and the use of a car to lyme with their friends could be freedom to destruction.
I hope the demise of these latest victims will be a lesson to all.
Parents talk and listen more to your children they too have problems.
Drug pushers have a heart stop pushing drugs, think of yourself and your own family when you are tempted to sell drugs to unsuspecting victims. Money is not all. The life you save today might be your very own.
Drug addicts, time to reflect, you are not only hurting yourselves, but your loved ones too.
Security forces, the crack houses are out there - find and destroy them.
Politicians & civil society - Please play your part. Keep the values and attitudes lamp burning in order to save the nation from destruction.
I am, etc.,
VLC
vcluin@hotmail.com
Barbican
