rishard.khan@guardian.co.tt
Mothers need to seize the opportunity to inspire and instruct their children to zap the zeal of zessers and save their lives.
This is according to Justice Frank Seepersad as he spoke at a Mother’s Day function at the Susamachar Presbyterian Church yesterday.
He said, “We need to beseech and implore our mothers, aunts and sisters to rebuild our homes so as to abate the rampant lawlessness which confronts us and we need to adopt a renewed focus which fosters family life so as to ensure that our youth experience godliness and proper instruction in their lives.”
He added: “We cannot continue to deflect the responsibility to properly train our children to teachers and third parties. Our mothers are the ones who first instil in our children a sense of values. They impart their faith and their influence is immeasurable.”
Citing sociological studies, Seepersad told the congregation that many young men may be attracted to gangs because they see the gangs as a place of loyalty and protection. But, to this, he said: “Our youth must, however, understand that there exists no place of greater loyalty and protection than when they place themselves in the arms of and subject to the guidance of their mothers.”
Seepersad urged that mothers need to make difficult decisions in the best interest of their children and the wider society. He said they cannot continue to condone the conduct of children who have embarked upon a path of crime. Intervention and correction, he said, was one of the ways parents can prevent “mammy nice child ” from prematurely ending up in a coffin.
“We can’t continue to ignore the unexplained gold chains, fancy shoes or money placed on the kitchen table. We need mothers who will zap the zeal of the zessers.”
“In an attempt to save our nation’s youth we have to seize the opportunity to instruct, influence and inspire them,” Seepersad said.
