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THE EDITOR: Feeling safe has become a luxury I no longer take for granted, and I suspect I'm not alone in this sentiment. My father, a retired police officer, used to caution, "What frightens me does rotten bottle." Today, his words have a chilling resonance as the bottles decay, metaphorically representing the erosion of safety that now permeates every corner of our country.
Unlike previous years, where crime was relegated to "hot areas," it has now become an omnipresent force, forcing citizens to navigate daily life with a heightened anxiety about the unknown threats lurking around them.
The situation has escalated to the point where the metaphorical horse, or rather mustang, has not only left the stable but galloped into an unprecedented level of violence.
The aftermath captured by CCTV cameras reveals a blatant disregard for human life, leaving citizens uneasy and questioning the essence of security. As a parent, this unsettling reality transforms me into an unofficial "helicopter mom," compelled to adopt extra security measures for my children. This reality is not the life any parent envisions for their children, yet it's a reality we must confront.
While some may wonder why we expose our children to this harsh reality, I argue that awareness is paramount. Similar to African American parents teaching their children survival tactics during encounters with law enforcement, we must educate our young minds about the crime situation and its impact on daily life, tailored to their age.
If you as a citizen feel safe, I'm eager to know your secret, for the thunderstorm of crime has left many of us questioning how to move forward without constant worry.
This cannot be the new normal for Trinidad and, more recently, Tobago. We cannot passively accept this as the best effort of those entrusted with our safety. While I'm usually inclined to see the glass as half full, in this situation I struggle to see any water at all.
Addressing this issue should be at the forefront for the Minister of National Security, the Police Commissioner, and the National Security Council. It's time to break the cycle of insanity, to reclaim our safety, peaceful nights, and a nation where looking through your window doesn't pose a threat to your life.

S BENOIS-SELMAN

Woodbrook
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