Not everyone on our beautiful twin islands is enjoying life or wakes up with a smile on their face. Life has been rough, tough, and hard for many living here over the years. We can bury our heads in the sand and pretend it is not so, but there is a growing poverty problem that is worsening amongst us that must be taken seriously.
It is time that a proper survey is done to see where we are when it comes to the poverty level. This is the only true way to know what is taking place, and this must be done by an independent body that is trustworthy enough to speak the truth. Sometimes we can judge a situation from where we sit, and while it may be okay in your environment, there may be others where the total opposite is taking place.
I have been through several communities in Trinidad and Tobago, and if I were asked to describe some of the places I visited with one word, it would be “suffering.” Having said the above, permit me in this short article to share what I consider the side effects of this destroyer called poverty.
Firstly, the encouragement of criminal activity, and while some may want to debate how poverty can drive people to do what is necessary even commit crime to survive, this is real. Corrupt practices, stealing, robberies and dishonesty can show up when people become desperate. I have known people who shoplift basic food items to feed their families, because of lack they are driven someone to do that, which is unlawful.
The second side effect of poverty is that of the home, where lack can be a strain on relationships. When a family is suffering, not being able to see basic needs being met this can create tension in the house, and this can be acted out in a violent manner, even towards each other. Poverty can rob a home of its joy, peace, comfort, and happiness.
I have visited several homes where there is gross poverty, and the look on the faces of the children and even the parents tells a sad story. Then we have the emotional side, where poverty can bring on trauma. Some people enter a state of depression and are mentally affected by the condition of their lives. If you are not careful, people like this can do harm to themselves and others.
Finally, poverty in a person’s life can hinder growth and development in all areas. How many children are out of school and not getting a proper education because parents do not have the finances to send them to school? There are those who, because of poverty, whose dreams and aspirations are just wishful thinking; they are in a deep hole, and there seems to be no way out. That is a sad place for anyone to be, and as the late Mighty Shadow said, “Poverty is hell.”
In conclusion, I encourage us all, beginning at home, to the best of our ability do what it takes to eradicate poverty in our twin island. It is better to fail trying than to fail because we did nothing to change things. We all have a part, and together we can make a difference. Let us do it together, making T&T a better place for all.
Arnold Gopeesingh
San Juan
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