Dear Editor,
I’m responding to Mr. Russell A. Simmons’ article that appeared in this newspaper on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Mr. Simmons, you’ve acknowledged that you agree with my choice to recommend Member of Parliament Dimar Labega to assist the youth with their struggles, regarding crime. You also emphasized that you would approach the matter differently, because of the many reasons why they go astray.
I concur that there are several factors that led the youth to commit these crimes. I do not have all the answers, and since you were a part of law enforcement, you would have a broader view, with regard to the crime situation. However, some situations are plain to see, while others are based on logic, and some are well-hidden, until an in-depth study or interrogation is being conducted. This is when the unexpected is being revealed to point where the interrogator becomes dumbfounded.
Since I’m not a part of law enforcement, I can only expound on what I know. I believe it was in the ’90s when I went into Philipsburg and saw this leaflet that states, “Children learn what they live.” The topic caught my attention and so I picked up the flyer and kept it. Later on when I read the content, I pondered on it for a while, and then I matched it with my childhood – the foundation that impacts our adult life.
When I look back at my childhood, and how it has influenced my decisions as an adult, there is nothing in this world that I would trade for those precious years. So yes, there are many reasons why the youth go astray. But that is one side of the coin, which is the pull factor. The other side consists of whatever was poured into their lives between the ages of zero to about 8 years old – that’s the anchor factor – ingredients that stabilize their thinking and decisions.
Not to labour the issue, I will highlight just one aspect of it, which is the environment – the domain that encompasses every other element there is. Case in point: Let’s focus on the home environment for just a wee bit. Remember, “Children learn what they live.” When children see their father beat their mother sick, and she still has to go to work with make-up, just to cover up the bruises, what message is that father sending to those children?
Let’s take the political environment. When the youth see politicians enter politics and in a few years, all of them build mansions and the youngsters remain poor and hungry, how do we expect them to react? Let’s look at the professional environment. When youngsters cannot get meaningful jobs in their country, based on whatever the reasons are, don’t you think that they would band together and oppose the system, just to sustain themselves?
So, who or what is to be blamed for this constant ruckus that is eating away at the core of this nation, Mr. Simmons? The majority of fathers have neglected or disrespected their children, but they expect them to go to school and go out in the community and respect authority. It will not work. When government allows employers to disregard the laws of the land and investors control the government, do you expect the youth to have respect for authority? No! “Children learn what they live.”
Mr. Simmons, I can go on and very deep. But do you realize that the environment that was created and tolerated has cultivated generations of youth with not even a drop of empathy? Who is responsible, Mr. Simmons, now that the chickens have come home to roost?
On your second point: Just for you to have a better understanding of my choice to select MP Labega as a peace-maker for these youngsters, I must notify you that I do not know the MP. The first time that I saw him was when he entered parliament after the elections of August 19, 2024.
My perception of MP Labega is shaped by the way he conducts himself in parliament. His demeanor is always in sync with his responses. Even though he does not speak a lot, his words are well-measured, and instead of grandstanding when there is a heated disagreement, he brings balance to the discussion. And, as I mentioned in a previous article, he pays attention to the deliberations – he is present in body, mind and soul.
These aspects of his character indicate that he is attentive to the needs of others and that he assesses and seeks solutions to the problem. So, for me, MP Dimar Labega would be the appropriate candidate to initiate this long-awaited support – one that is authentic, because he was once a participant, who tested the boundaries of the judiciary system, and has redeemed himself to become an upstanding citizen.
What these youngsters need is a listening ear – one that is genuine – someone who would dialogue with them to understand their needs and seek the solutions to those challenges. Mr. Simmons, I have my prayer group in place and so we will pray for that chain reaction.
Joslyn Morton
