As Minister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin's candid and impromptu remarks while speaking on the issue of infidelity at the Ministry's recent forum "Commemorating International Women's Day 2014: Equality for women is progress for all" at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, demonstrated the strength of her character. Her commitment to the issue is undeniable and the sharing of her personal experience may prove to be pivotal as that struggle continues.
Much can be learnt from this as we grapple with another pressing social issue which is protecting our children from sexual predators, even as it surfaces within the home. This particular predatory obscenity did not begin yesterday.It is nearing the front burner mainly because of recent revelations and deaths attributed to it. As a nation we have been flippant about this heinous sexual activity even though parents in many instances, have been the guilty culprits.
This lust for flesh perpetrated against the most vulnerable in our society, crosses all socioeconomic and racial boundaries. As such, there are adults, former victims, with stories that will never be told of those past experiences that continue to imprison them, unlike Vernella Alleyne-Toppin who spoke truth to justice.
Errol F Hosein
via e-mail