In 1984 Randy Stonehill released his album “who will save the children.”  The answer to that question may still be outstanding.

Children account for over a quarter of the world’s population and, as it is in the animal kingdom, parents should make all efforts to see those children to maturity.  But sometimes, it takes tremendous efforts and resources beyond a family’s means.  That is where communities and governments come in as well as regional and international organizations.

It seemed earthmoving at the time when on 1st January 1979, UNESCO declared that year to be the International Year of the Child.  And then, the UN followed up in 2000 with 8 millennium development goals to be achieved by 2015.  Goal #2 was squarely in favour of children; “Achieve universal primary education.”

BVI achieved those millennium development goals although long questions may surround numbers 7 and 8: “Ensure environmental sustainability and Develop a global partnership for development.” 

The Conservation and Fisheries Department was at the forefront of those efforts, however, that department disappeared, perhaps, under the banner of progress and its champions have moved on, some in retirement or reassignment, others in death.

There was a time in the BVI experience when education was a precious, and for many, an unattainable commodity.  However, we have gone from achieving universal primary education all the way to tertiary education.

Still, we remain concerned about our children.  For while the millennium development goals did not anticipate it, crime is a visitor or companion to the children of this era, ours included.

And the Caribbean, which is heavily dependent on tourism and tourists on safety, is especially vulnerable.  The United States, the major supplier of tourists to the Caribbean has proscribed visits to named countries and Territories from time to time.  That is always a blow.

But we must get the drop on crime which seems to be fueled by drugs, guns, gang warfare, greed.

Nevertheless, whatever happens, our children must not be collateral damage nor casualties of a war over, especially, drugs.  

Do we even remember ‘The greatest love of all,’ our high school graduation theme song?  “I believe the children are our future….”  Are they? Then let us stand by them.  Let us stand with them.

For starters, we must provide them with a safe environment and there is no escaping difficult discussions about the dangers involved in drug use and abuse, gangs, guns, remaining ignorant and unproductive.

We certainly do not like the feel of the crusades that sink vessels at sea regardless of who is aboard with questions to follow actions.  That feels like vigilantism.  Yes, we want vigilance and the eradication of crime but the civilized world has its code for addressing lawlessness and we expect that it will be followed and business conducted, legally.

And from a tourism standpoint, we should be concerned about the militarization of places on our doorstep.  Again, we must depend on the Minister for National Security here since we are neither responsible for our internal nor external security arrangements.

But we also have our part to play.  Of course, we are uncomfortable when young people, usually males, are picked off in their own neighborhoods or homes over a commodity that appears to be lucrative but with a high, ultimate price.

But it is not only the drugs and guns.  Motor bikes have exacted their own price.  However, the recent legislation with its heavy fines for safety and other infractions will help.  We have seen the daredevil antics of our sons on those motorbikes moving in and out of traffic while performing maneuverers.  Impressive in instances; Jaw dropping in others; Dangerous in all.

But why weren’t we educating them about safety and responsibility?  Why were Officers looking the other way instead of enforcing the law and only rushed in when deaths and maiming were on the cards?  How many families must experience pain and regret before we act?

We have all but lost our way in the BVI.  But where did we go wrong?  Sometimes, it feels as if we are adrift, unfeeling, uncaring, unkind.  We appear to have grown numb to the incidence of crime we hear about, and unconcerned about the crime sweeping the subregion which is no stranger to our shores.

“Who will save the children?”  If we lose them, we have lost the future of the Territory.  

For now, The Minister for National Security, His Excellency the Governor, and the Premier, appear to want to play their part.  A three-day anti-crime summit is on the cards.  Hopefully, we have honest and open discussions and perhaps a period of reconciliation with the law should be declared where an amnesty for those in possession of drugs and guns can surrender them without penalty for a determined period. 

But most of all, if everyone who attends the submit leave with the understanding that the individual action, no matter how small, can positively or negatively impact the Territory’s reputation and affect its economy, then we will be moving in the right direction.

This Territory has immense potential, outstanding talent, a high level of education, A well experienced workforce, a high human development index, and a decent standard of living.  We have all the ingredients to make BVI a success.  All we need to add is strong leadership and to place country above self.

To be fair, the work and infrastructure surrounding youth development should have been of the highest priority.  Instead, we are now at the point where we must fix a grave issue.  But better late than never.

We applaud His Excellency the Governor and the Premier and all those playing a part to help to  further improve the standards of safety in the Territory.

Fridays wish us all success in this venture.

Happy Friday!