Growing up I remember my parents regaling me with stories of how peaceful and safe it was "long time", where they could leave their homes and return any hour without having to worry about anyone harming them.

Today, it is difficult to not open the paper and read about a murder, a robbery, a rape, a kidnapping and so on. What is even more horrendous is the fact that the people committing these crimes are teenagers!

Our nation's youths are spiralling out of control. What are our parents and teachers doing? How long are we going to blame the Government for the current crime situation when the problem lies in our very own homes, communities and schools.

There is only so much the Government can do and they are working feverishly but we need to realise that crime is everybody's business. Yes, that means you!

We need to take responsibility for our own actions; our youths need some serious re-dress and re-introduction of morals into their lives. Where is the culture? Where are the values? I will tell you…lost, lost in the irresponsible parenting, lack of intervention and address by teachers and all the garbage we view on television and listen to on the radio. All of these contribute to the wayward attitudes of children these days and something needs to be done and it needs to be done now.

Parents need to grow and direct their children into the adults they wish to see in society. Teachers are always considered to be the second parents so they also play a vital role in grooming our young ones into respectable young adults, the future leaders.

We open the papers every day or switch on the television and shake our heads in dismay not knowing that we have the power to fight to save our country. It is never too late…Let's truly make T&T the paradise it is.

Sapphire Mohan

Chaguanas