Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is launching a parent-focused continuous workshop offering counselling to families to keep children on the right side of the law. The programme is part of his wider strategy to tackle crime at the community level.
“The home is mashed up; it’s destroyed. Now we have to build the home from the ground up. The first stage of crime prevention begins at the home.”
With several reports of violence and criminal activities reported among young people, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander says he is working on equipping parents with the necessary skills to guide their children. This is being done through a counselling workshop to be rolled out across the country.
“As of Friday, we have a parental guidance because. It is the first stage, I want the parents to understand what is their role and responsibility because when the time comes and they are now held accountable, they cannot say that the government did not do something or try to. It’s about holding them accountable.”
Minister Alexander notes that as the first stage of crime prevention, the sessions will provide structure.
“Some of them just became parents just like that, without any guidance, without any support. Now we’re trying to help that situation, provide some structure for them, so that they have a better understanding. That is the first stage of prevention of crime.”
He was speaking at his constituency of Tunapuna for the “Hats of Glory” competition, which included an Easter Egg Hunt competition, a showcase of creative, bold Easter bonnets and more. This was put together by staff and community members for children to enjoy.
“It’s about togetherness, persons coming together, different ages and realizing that listen, it could be a competition but we can still enjoy it. Working together as a community, persons in the office, persons in the community, stakeholders. This is not just an MP for Tunapuna thing, this is a constituency thing, it is a people thing. It is a whole of Tunapuna thing.”