YOUR RIGHT TO BE SAFE!

SDCSS Young Leaders

                                       

Over the last few years violence has become an ever – increasing problem among the young people of Grenada. It has reach a point where, when one looks at the news of the nation he will be sure to see some sort of violent behaviour displayed by a person or persons in the community. Chances are that you have read reports about the extent of violence in schools and are understandably concerned about how dangerous the learning institutions are becoming; thus the paramount importance of writing this article to encourage people to fight for our rights to be safe in our communities and the country as a whole.

 

Violence is a big problem plaguing our nation among the youths. According to news articles read the violent behaviours directly involved a youth, that is, he/she was either the victim or the aggressor. No single cause can be found for the violent behaviours displayed among the youths, however experts believe that a combination of factors lead some youths to act violently and it is a challenge for every element of society. They include domestic violence/child abuse, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol abuse, poverty, neglect, frustration and the lack of traditional family structure. One can conclude that Grenada is having a problem with violence, drugs etc. because it no longer has the moral character to withstand the pressures of modern society.

 

Every Grenadian has a part to play in the reduction of youth violence. It is necessary to help young people to open up when they are having problems. Also to help parents to understand that they cannot protect perpetrators of crime and violence. Trying to break the silence means trying to educate young people and the parents that when they see things in the community they need to say something. They need to be able to say stop it. Even you as an individual of society when you know something you need to say this have to stop and do something about it.

 

We need to strive to eliminate violence throughout Grenada especially among youths; however we must do it as a nation that is, parents, youths, and society including the government, the churches, the media and the schools. In order to reduce violence, efforts must focus on prevention. The young people need to channel their energies and talents into positive actions and Grenadians must ensure that the facilities are available for their use. If not; the youths will continue to travel on the violent path that will ultimately make Grenada a chaotic nation where it would not be safe to live in, youth violence will be epidemic.

 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “all persons are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and so condemns various forms of discrimination and upholds rights to “life, liberty, and security of person,” therefore “Reject violence now. Tomorrow will be too late. No more victims.”  (End The Violence, pg.23, Grenada Today, 9/2/01, Vol. 12 NO. 6)

 

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS!

 

 

 

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