My 82-year-old mother wanted to know why magistrates do not impose sentences with the cat-o-nine tails more often. She said she was sick to her stomach reading about all these children being molested. I listened sympathetically, having heard her go on and on about this subject many times before.
Next morning I read of Abdul Samad being charged with the buggery of five boys ages five to 16 and asking the court for protection. He claims he has been receiving death threats. The 16-year-old also appeared in a nearby court charged with molestation himself. Surprised? I'm not.
What is going on in Trinidad? Who is protecting the children? And can someone please tell me how in God's name any man can derive pleasure while a child screams in agony. Tell me, because maybe I am stupid, but just the sight of a small child crying or distressed makes me upset.
People say rape is not about sex but power. Well if a man has to overpower a small, crying, screaming child to feel powerful then he is definitely a deviant. And what about the mothers? Where are the mothers? I don't know what I can do except to plead with the magistrates. Think about if it were your son or daughter. Impose more severe sentences and, for God's sake, use the cat-o-nine tails. Let these monsters feel just a fraction of the pain they are inflicting on these sweet, innocent little ones.
People, look at your own sons and daughters, think of someone violating them and speak up. We need to do more. How many more young people's lives must be ruined? I'm tired asking.
Margaret Samuel
Diego Martin