We Can't Keep Running!

It was really sad to read the news that Witco Desperadoes are fleeing the Hill after all the time they spent there.

The news was sad; whether in the words of the band members or in people’s comments. In my opinion news like this could be an opportunity to whine and weep for those who like to. For the resolute amongst us, it should be a motivation for action though. I don’t think running away could solve the problem. History shows that people who tend to run away find that they will have to keep running!

I wish that artists would behave differently. Art is a message and artists are role models for many of the people around them who not only appreciate their art but also often emulate their behavior.

There is no shortage of artists who used their art to address issues and tackle problems and, became ambassadors of their communities and countries. The fact is, the Desperadoes have many fans and followers, so it wouldn’t really be too hard to turn fear from crime into a campaign to fight and denounce crime. The government by itself cannot fight crime without the active and conscious cooperation of the people. If each and every one of us pointed a finger, instead of remain silent when we see a crime or a criminal, the bad guys would have to run away from us, not the other way around.

Criminals can’t even wish to do their crimes and get away with them when they are surrounded by alert and determined people.

I’m not saying we should all carry arms or physically fight criminals. What I’m calling for is an active civil campaign, led by the athletes and artists we love, that can mobilize the people and enable them to be an active force against crime, not a helpless victim of it. We, as citizens and artists, must revisit our responsibilities toward our community and our country. If we want TT to be safe and secure, we have to do something.

TT is a tiny country, brothers and sisters...we can't keep running. We have to stand our ground!