A call has been made for the nation's parents to be extremely vigilant and observant of what is going on in their children's lives. Naparima MP Nizam Baksh made the announcement yesterday while he addressed the gathering at the closing ceremony of the 2nd annual Daren Ganga Foundation Camp which was held at the Barrackpore West Secondary school. Baksh, drawing reference to the discovery of a large quantity of high-grade narcotics and weaponry at a Valsayn mansion of late contractor Hafeez Karamath last Thursday, said crime and violence were spiralling at an alarming rate. "Most of the murders that are being committed are linked to criminal activities and guns," Baksh said.
"It takes an entire community to raise a child and as parents you have to keep a close eye on your children. "You also have to keep an extra-special eye on your children's friends because you don't know what type of influence they will have on them." Over 50 children graduated from the three-week camp which focused on the sporting disciplines of cricket and football. They were each presented with a certificate of participation as well as a journal and medal. In the Football category, the award for the Most Punctual camp member was presented to Ryan Ragoobar while Jair Laborde was deemed the Most Disciplined Player.
The Most Sportsmanlike Team Player award went to Delandre John and Khaleem Hosein was the Most Improved Player. Khaleel Boodoo was awarded the title of the Most Valuable Player while David Swain received an award for the Best Kept Journal category. Kadeem Webb was adjudged the Most Punctual among the cricketers while Christopher Hosein was presented with the award for being the Most Disciplined Player. Akesh Manpool was judged the Most Improved Player, while Andre Wallace was the Best Team Player. The awards for the Best Kept Journal and MVP went to Devish Singh and Nadir Mohammed respectively.
T&T Cricket Team captain Daren Ganga who delivered the feature address said that in addition to sports, the camp was geared at teaching positive values including sportsmanship and respect for others. He urged the youngsters to use their talents positively and continue to develop and improve on their skills. "You are an integral part of our society. We need future leaders, youths like you to be able to take on the many challenges to your mind, heart and spirit," Ganga said. "I want to urge each and every one of you to stay connected and contribute where possible to the betterment of our society."