Dear Editor: Make the criminals leave Temple Street, not the students!

I read recently that the Ministry of Education has ordered the Arima Hindu School, located on Temple Street to be closed, as consequence of an upsurge of crime in that community. Now I don’t want to jump the ‘gun’, since there was to be a meeting at the Arima Town Hall with parents, PTA and all stakeholders to bring about some resolution on this matter—albeit the Ministry’s decision could be overturned and the school could resume classes.

But what I find most disturbing is this situation is not an overnight problem. That area is known for its notoriety by most people in Arima. While the safety of students is a priority, I’m bemused as to why the school should be relocated, rather than the criminal elements being removed or eradicated completely from the community.

I always wonder how residents can know that there is illegal activities taking place in their area or community and law enforcement seems oblivious or unable to cope.

Crime in most communities in Trinidad and Tobago follows a similar pattern and to eradicate the scourge takes intelligence gathering, manpower and an inflexible law enforcement, devoid of dishonest officers.

There are certain things in a community’s environment which can deter or encourage crime. The inclusion of things like street lights, frequent police patrols, and working security cameras, for example, can act as deterrents.

This may not get rid of illegal activities completely but it can make a noticeable difference in communities held in a choke-hold by lawbreakers.

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