The Enterprise community located in Trinidad and Tobago has been regarded as a ‘hot spot’ for over 25 years but is that really true? This was reflected in an article in the Trinidad Express: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Hot-spot-or-not-116429589.html

As a resident of this community I must agree that criminal activities usually occur on a larger scale than some areas of Trinidad and Tobago but does that warrant the title ‘hot spot’? Crime has escalated simultaneously in many other areas yet those areas have not been equally brought to the fore. In my view Trinidad as a country can be regarded as a ‘hot spot’ because no matter where you are in Trinidad crime happens for the many reasons highlighted by the villagers in the article and more. 

To recap the main issues raised by residents of Enterprise in the article: 
•Poor parenting - Teenage parents 
•Criminals from outside seek refuge in this community 
•Police post needed as there is little or no police patrol 
•Youth are giving the area a bad name 
•Poverty 
•Other issues have increased such as, unemployment, poverty and lack of proper education. 
•Skills need to be developed at an earlier age in areas such as; agriculture, sports, craft, trade 
•Government lacks vision for the country 
•No role models 

While employment is somewhat accessible and community activities exist, they cannot possibly address society’s major issues. These aforementioned issues should be dealt with on all levels. Most importantly, a crime plan should be implemented and the government has a lot to take responsibility for but there is also the whole dimension of family and community and the critical role they play in alleviating crime. Therefore, citizens need to lead this transformation process and demand what is rightfully theirs from the government. For instance, better policies should be implemented to ensure a secure and advancing society. Additionally, these social issues cannot be mended if citizens do not value their own lives. People ought to understand that life goes beyond the attainment of material things and find some sort of balance that includes spirituality.

We (Trinbagonians) need to take stock and do something about it in a collective manner before the problem escalates into an even worse situation.