Dear Editor: When will we stop losing Zwades and truly invest in our children?

“[…] Why, in the aftermath of each young life lost, does the immediate response so often centre on government coffers as the primary answer?

“[…] Successful grassroots initiatives demonstrate that, with the right support and management, community-led programmes can make a real difference…”

In the following Letter to the Editor, Brandon Ford of Port of Spain urges Trinbagonians to look further than government coffers and search for other community-based solutions to the violence plaguing our country:

The tragic news of young Zwade Alleyne’s life being cut short in Trinidad has once again ignited a familiar wave of grief and outrage across the nation.

Each promising future extinguished too soon leaves a community reeling and searching for answers. In the wake of such profound sorrow, the familiar call for increased government funding for community programmes resurfaces.

While the impulse to seek tangible solutions is understandable, the automatic leap to solely financial remedies warrants deeper scrutiny.

Why, in the aftermath of each young life lost, does the immediate response so often centre on government coffers as the primary answer? Are we truly addressing the root causes of this pervasive violence, or are we simply applying a well-worn bandage to a gaping wound?

The history of government-funded community programmes in Trinidad offers a cautionary tale.

The Life Sport initiative, for example, intended to steer at-risk youth away from crime through sports and skills training, became a stark example of good intentions undermined by mismanagement and allegations of corruption.

Millions of taxpayer dollars were reportedly squandered, with little evidence of a significant positive impact on the lives of the young people it was meant to serve.

This bitter experience lingers, raising valid questions about the efficacy of simply throwing money at the problem without addressing the underlying systemic issues.

However, it is crucial not to paint all community initiatives with the same broad brush.

The failure of Life Sport does not mean that all efforts to help our youth are doomed to the same fate. In fact, many grassroots community groups across Trinidad and Tobago have achieved remarkable results, often with far fewer resources.

These organisations are typically embedded in the neighbourhoods they serve, led by individuals who understand the unique challenges and strengths of their communities.

Their proximity and accountability often translate to more effective and responsive programs.

The lesson from Life Sport is not that investment in youth is futile, but that such investment must be accompanied by robust oversight, transparency, and community involvement.

Successful grassroots initiatives demonstrate that, with the right support and management, community-led programmes can make a real difference.

While the intent is not to dismiss calls for funding outright, we should demand smarter, more accountable allocation of resources, learning from past mistakes while amplifying what works.

This also begs the question of corporate responsibility.

We are a nation where industries like banking generate significant yearly revenues (with the financial sector boasting a market capitalisation of TT$57.5 billion at the close of 2024, projected to rise to TT$61.2 billion in 2025).

The energy sector contributes over 51 percent to the government’s total revenue annually, while the telecommunications sector generates over TT$4.2 billion.

And so the question of their broader societal obligation becomes pertinent.

Do these entities, which profit considerably from operating within Trinidad and Tobago, not share a profound responsibility to invest in the future of the nation, particularly its vulnerable youth?

This extends beyond mere charitable donations to encompass active participation in creating opportunities, providing skills training, and fostering environments that offer viable alternatives for young people.

It’s important to acknowledge that some entities, both governmental and non-governmental, may already be doing commendable work in this area, often with limited resources.

How can we better support and amplify these existing successes, and encourage greater corporate citizenship across the board?

Equally vital, yet often overlooked in national discourse, is the foundational role of parents and guardians in shaping the lives of young people. While systemic reform and external support structures are essential, the home remains the first and most enduring source of guidance, emotional security, and moral grounding.

Parents play a critical role in instilling values, offering consistent support, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.

In communities where resources may be scarce and opportunities limited, the presence of attentive, nurturing caregivers can mean the difference between hope and hopelessness.

Empowering families, through parenting programs, mental health support, and accessible resources, is not a peripheral concern; it is central to any genuine strategy for youth development.

Without engaged and supported parents, no program or initiative can fully take root.

We must ask ourselves some difficult questions. Are we creating environments where young people feel valued, supported, and have access to genuine opportunities?

Are we addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to vulnerability and despair? Are we fostering a culture of respect and empathy within our communities?

The tragic loss of young lives like Zwade Alleyne is a symptom of a deeper malaise.

It speaks to a society where too many young people feel marginalised, unheard, and without a viable path forward. Funding programmes, while potentially helpful, are akin to treating the symptoms without diagnosing the disease.

Ultimately, the solution transcends budgetary allocations. It requires a fundamental shift in our collective consciousness. It demands that we, as a nation, truly love our youth—not just in rhetoric, but in our actions.

This love manifests in creating safe and supportive communities, providing quality education and opportunities, fostering positive role models, and actively listening to their voices and concerns.

Let us remember: the shortcomings of one programme should not overshadow the successes of many.

By supporting and holding accountable the community groups that are making a difference, encouraging responsible corporate citizenship, and empowering families, we can build a future where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.

Until we cultivate a genuine and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our young people; until we prioritize their holistic development over political expediency and superficial solutions, no amount of government funding will be enough to stem the tide of tragedy.

Let Zwade Alleyne’s passing serve as a stark reminder that true investment lies not just in dollars and cents, but in the depth of our care and the sincerity of our commitment to the future of Trinidad and Tobago—its precious youth.

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