LAST week, I dedicated this column to mourning the murder of a 14-year-old schoolgirl who lost her life in the aftermath of a disagreement with a grown man who had been having a sexual relationship with her. Today, she lies in the cold ground, and he is penned up, beginning a life term cooped up in prison with the possibility of parole 25 years from now.

This week, just as I thought that I would never have to face such a tale of violence involving a so-young victim, I can hardly believe that I’m here again, stunned by the brutal slaying of another 14-year-old girl in another parish. What is going on?!

The first story listed here happened in Westmoreland. This week, the anguish and pain rears its ugly head in St Thomas in the east. How long, oh Lord, how long will our children suffer? Why aren’t we giving serious consideration and working on how to stop this? It is already on the electioneering agenda? But what does that mean? Votes, or saving the lives of a new generation? The answer is blowing in the wind of madness and lack of respect for human life.

Violence against children is not confined only to this country. The madness is everywhere, but that is cold comfort with so little guarantee of survival.

Our children deserve better. They deserve life and the hopes of a better tomorrow. Wanton robbery of a child’s future, and replacing hope with disillusionment, should never be taken lightly. Everyone knows that, so how come we are here? What have we as a nation done to deserve this? One thing which is undeniable is the need for community and home to face up to challenge ourselves to work together for the good of our children. All elements will have to co-operate if change is to come. We need new laws to reinforce the effort and develop a programme to stop the wicked in their tracks. We have to accept that we must protect our own. Every child is a part of this nation. We cannot waste them.

It is not easy. The struggle for survival places pressure on everyone, but we must do what we have to do…save our children. We must make time, know our business, sharpen our consciences, and act in the interest of the welfare of the family against the cry: “Wha de govament a do?” Our children are not the property of government. We must help too. An old enemy walks again: “Black Heart Man” they used to call the imagined enemy of our children who entered our folklore at another time in our history when we imagined things more than ever. Nobody could describe him, but everybody was sure that he was around to do harm to innocent children. He might look different this time, but the legend is certainly busy again.

Today, we’re too smart to be caught by duppy stories. The reality is far too real to ignore. So, who is this killer-man? It couldn’t be the kind gentleman who has taken such an interest in the pretty little teenager. He helps her family with the lunch money and the taxi fare to get her home. Nice man! When did he become a vampire, or are we only imagining it? So, if not him, who?

QUESTION: Where are we, the good, God-fearing people who weep and mourn over the low depths into which we’ve sunk, yet seem to be surrendering our children to these malefactors? What has made it so easy for adults to be deluded into letting our children give up their young bodies to “The Nice Man”? We’re eager to talk about the poverty from which The Nice Man will rescue us, but we do not know yet “the reality inna di reality”, as Tosh used to sing.

When the young child comes home bearing gifts from the “Nice Mr So and So”, who is it who alerts the distressed mother to question what The Nice Man took in return? Who questions where the teenager get the expensive phone which will enable her to boast like other girls at school? When the “Black Heart” man comes calling to collect his dues, would it make any sense to turn to the police for help before things get worse?

The parish of St Thomas is burdened now by one more child, who is no more. The police collared a suspect. The law will take its course. Then we’ll know, was it a nice man as was imagined, or just another killer? Was he one of those who lured children to accept anything they wanted, only by the time we discover what he is trading it is too late? The questions grow in numbers; raised about stronger laws to require parents/guardians to take on greater responsibility for their offspring. It is heartbreaking to see the photos of a mother, father or grandmother, their pain-filled eyes burning like fires, with the awful reality of a slain child.

Lawmakers, surely you must take this one to Parliament. Time to strengthen some laws to save the children.

Please note: It is not only girls who are vulnerable. Boys are victims too. All our children deserve protection, whatever their gender.

Every heart knows its own sorrow

The passing of Rev’d Glen Archer, noted educator/trainer of spelling bee competitors, a man who drew to his side an avid group of young people who admired him for his dedication, passed away a fortnight or so ago. He had been ailing for some time, fighting off the unforgiving pain and suffering which came with renal failure. When he was prepared, and the ultimate journey ended, the Rev’d Archer received the last rites and was laid to rest.

Sadly, the rest is not complete. A storm in a tea cup filled with controversies has surfaced. The Reverend had a band of friends who have been dissatisfied with certain health issues which, they believe, contributed to his departure. The cost of medication and medical treatment also worried his friends. Unhappily, (I think), details of the concerns have ended up in the public domain. They question the failure of the local health system and are not the least impressed with patient care and availability of medication. They want answers, even if it is too late to hear the answer they seek.

It is never easy to bring the sickroom into the public space. Not yet a full week since the funeral, issues of Reverend Archer’s last days have been introduced to the public by zealous friends who want the memories of their friend and mentor to be unblemished. The controversies may end up being remembered more than anything else. Like it or not, however, people are free to do what they want to do. They’re not children. They’re adults. They will have to know where and why they’re going. The good friends of the Reverend gentleman will not back away so easily, so we may be hearing more. RIP, Reverend.

Cleaning downtown

The Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) is in another valiant struggle to clean up the inner city. They aim to persuade the vendors who roam the streets selling their wares to listen to the voice of the mayor and councillors telling you that they intend to clean up the city; like it or not.

The two groups have tested their strength already to see who will prevail. The usual vendors’ demonstrations have already been staged, but the KSAC has refused to be beaten back. They’re seeking the support of the public, who can be put in danger. It may be hard for anyone to even imagine an open cart preparing “cook food”, going through crowds, taking the heat to the people. It happens. Madness!

gloudonb@yahoo.com