Have we failed our young?

On October 4th and 6th of this year, the Jamaica Observer published two letters both written by readers and both were directed at KSAC Town Clerk Errol Greene. The letters blasted Mr. Greene for the way he reprimanded a youngster selling on the streets of Half Way Tree. In one of the letters entitled “Shame,” the writer chided Mr. Green for seizing the June plums the youngster was selling. It was obvious that the writer of the letter was not fully aware of the actions and intentions of the KSAC as he asked why they were stopping the child from selling and they (KSAC) were out there to clear stalls.
In the other letter, entitled “Heartless,” the writer asserts that Mr. Green was abusing his authority by taking away the Plums from the child. What’s more, the writer stated that this type of action is what I wrong with society, and branded Mr. Green as being Heartless and Mindless.

Well, we will all will have our opinions on whether Mr. Green’s action were justified even after reading his article clarifying the circumstances surround the matter. But is this the real issues we should be talking about? No!!!!!

Persons have failed to look at the bigger picture and answer the most important question arising - Why was the little boy selling in the first place?

On a walk through downtown Kingston an any given day or time, you will witness children selling items from Moth Balls (camfa ball), toiletries, accessories and all other items including, in rare cases, Narcotics. Have we failed our young?

Why do these children sell? Is it for lunch money? If so, what of the parents and their responsibilities as care givers and breadwinners? Why should these children have to fend for themselves?
We can beat around the bush as much as we want but fact of the matter is that as adults we failed these children. When Mr. Green questioned the child, it is alleged that the child stated that he was selling for his mother who was busy selling on nearby street. Have we failed our young?

We have failed to really enforce truancy laws aimed at ensuring that children get the chance at a good education. We have failed them by our laxity in enforcing International Labour Organization laws to stop child labour. We have grown to accept seeing children fend for themselves all in the name of “eating a food”. The day a child is made to fend for him/her self, is the day society as a whole has failed them. We have failed to protect our children from the harms and perils that are present in the society, we have failed to provide our children with the education they need to become productive members of our society, and I don’t this I need to highlight the effects of this failure by the State. WE HAVE FAILED.

There are many issues that needs to be brought to the fore, but those will come out n further discussion.

Excerpt from this post were taken from the Jamaica Observer.