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
Dear Editor,
On reading Joslyn’s letter referring to MP [Member of Parliament – Ed.] Labega it reminded me of what my mother used to say to us when we were growing up. You’re not a thief until they catch you. My father would tell her, “You are giving those children mixed messages.” I know that Ms. Morton is sincere in her writing, but with my experience in dealing with the community I would have gone about it differently. I definitely would make use of MP Labega because of his transformation, but owing to the fact that there are so many different reasons why youngsters are led astray I believe that we have to be careful not to send the wrong messages.
My mother used to tell us, “Not everybody is born with the same luck.” Along with that I would add that I would not want the youngsters to be under the impression that there is always a job available for them later on in life. So again I have to congratulate Ms. Morton for her extra effort to help enlighten the youth and hopefully this forms a chain reaction.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
Hurray, Middle Region people’s wishes come true and appreciated, the Zong Supermarket back on track.
Middle Region people were fed-up with only one supermarket in the center of Middle Region and no parking.
And I, Cuthbert Bannis, ask the people what other things did they see the community council and government to do for Middle Region people?
The people want all the fences right and left on the main road to be painted.
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
There are too many unwelcomed activities that are seeping into the culture, and swiftly changing the landscape of this island. The questions remain: How much longer are we going let this negative phase ruin this beautiful island, and what will become of it if the government is forced aside, either by Holland’s heavy-handed approach or, God forbid, by this cultivated and audacious mindset of these criminals?
In Monday’s article, I questioned if mentoring for the inmates would extend beyond the prison, when they are released. Since there isn’t any certainty to this question (not that I know of), and it would take the input of all of us to shape the community into what we aspire it to be, then I’ve got a proposal for Member of Parliament Dimar Labega.
MP Labega, a few months ago you shocked your colleagues in Parliament and the community, when you announced that you were in prison 16 years ago. You briefly mentioned the reason and the length of time that you were behind bars. For me, that was such a sincere admission, because it tells me that you have made peace with yourself and a commitment to change the trajectory that you were gravitating towards.
What really stood out for me was when you disclosed that you still have the same friends (although some have passed), but you don’t get involved in that activity, anymore. Even though I am curious to know what caused you to back away from that lifestyle and how you find the strength to associate with the same friends and still remain grounded, is exactly where my request hinges, because this mindset can be utilized towards a greater cause.
MP Dimar Labega, what if you use that experience to assist youngsters in prison or the vulnerable ones within the community, who are on the verge of being lured into this cycle of crime? What if you make this your mission and take it from the very beginning – how you were able to pacify that overpowering temptation/that double-minded spirit of to do or not to do? With this initiative, you can reach so many young minds, because they can identify with your experience.
Your down-to-earth personality will signal the permission to deliberate with them how you managed to tame your mind, in order to remain grounded in a society that has lost its spiritual and moral values. It would also give you the privilege to share if the change took you on a spiritual journey – one that rescued you from being overwhelmed by peer pressure.
Or did the experience become a wake-up call – the encounter that deterred you from being constantly hanging in the balance – or was it the reflections of the early teachings of family values? Once you have identified the attraction that caused them to go astray, it would be easier to divert their attention towards more positive choices.
MP, if you don’t want to venture into the community, you can form a team and adopt the Miss Lalie Center in Cay Bay. My biggest concern is when the inmates come out, they would revert to their same old ways, once that mentorship is not in place. Then the effort wasn’t just a total waste of tax payers' hard-earned money, it also reflects a complete breakdown of the Justice system, the family unit and the disintegration of future generations.
So, MP Labega, I'm urging you to use your experience as a soft spot for inmates to fall. Once you can identify the attraction, it’s easier to divert their attention to pursue more healthy choices. For you to achieve an effective outcome, you need to have a team of like-minded persons who were in your situation or of a similar nature, and have the burning desire to make a difference.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
As indicated in my article on Friday, June 27, 2025, the population was deprived of the understanding of how the amendments to the budget would have impacted the Justice Ministry and Parliament. Due to the near-sightedness of this low-informed group of parliamentarians (the worst ever), the real issues were unaddressed, intentionally. So, I will elaborate my thoughts, for further clarification.
On several occasions, the public was informed by Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling that the construction of a new prison is on the horizon. As I recalled, not much details were disseminated to get a vivid picture of the operation of the establishment. I have never visited the House of Detention and so I have no clue of what the interior looks like nor how it is being operated.
I had expected the Members of Parliament to present questions that would have enlightened the public on the workings of the prison – a comprehensive overview, that supports the minister’s vision, rather than to have wasted precious time to impose their personal and selfish cravings. Since that expectation did not take place, I am compelled to pose these inquiries for myself and like-minded persons, who deserve more explanations.
Besides the desire to expand and have a more modern facility, what programs would be implemented to supplement the existing ones? I would have liked to hear about the educational program in its entirety and how (very specific) does this program help the inmates.
If confiscating cell phones is a challenge, has management considered having a switchboard to detect, blocked and seized these illegal phones when they are being used in the facility? What penalties would the guards, other personnel, prisoners and their outside contacts faced, when these infractions are committed?
At the same time, what are the root causes for various contrabands to enter the prison and what can be done to reduce this illegal activity? Is it the lack of integrity, the principal reason or does bribery become a factor to supplement a guard’s meager salary? Or, is there a possibility that they are being threatened by inmates and their associates, on the outside? However, these partial inquests do not reflect the broader picture.
How about the sudden disruption of the home, especially when very young children are involved/affected? What demands do they place on their dads to keep that close connection with them on a daily basis? The spouses, family members and friends haven’t even come into play as yet. What pressures do they exert, just to keep in contact with their love ones, who are being incarcerated?
Apart from their freedom being seriously restricted, these situations could be reasons for their rebellion, although the inmates are the ones who made the choice to commit the crimes that caused them to be behind bars. But if rehabilitation is the goal (which is compulsory), then there must be a comprehensive approach to identify and tackle the root causes of these destructive behaviours.
If the focus of the justice ministry is on reintegration, would the prison consist of a state-of-the-art kitchen, so that the inmates could learn professional catering, which includes baking and bartending? Because, if tourism is our number one industry, why not use the opportunity to prepare them, so that when they are released, they can fit easily into the hospitality field, either as an employee or an employer?
Sewing (clothes) is an occupation that is pushed a lot, even though we don’t see the results. But what about upholstery, repairs (an industry that is not being tapped into, locally) – watches, shoes, radios, computers, electronic devises? How about carpentry, mechanic, electrician, tiling, landscaping, and gardening? The prison could be an incubator for several skilled jobs that do not require a degree.
It is high time that government invest in its own. This will cut down on the influx of persons who are just coming in to make money and then leave, which is a constant reoccurrence of a cycle that does not benefit the development of a country that is striving to be self-sufficient.
Consequently, would there be a well-designated family-orientation area where spouses and their children could assembly and engage in various activities as a family, in a private setting? How about another section where other families can mingle and network to share their challenges?
Again, if the restoration of the mind is the cornerstone to help the inmates become better citizens, would there be an overhaul of the mentoring program, to extend beyond the prison? Because, if that support system is lacking, then the cycle of delinquency will start all over again, only this time it will escalate with greater intensity.
Joslyn Morton
