It is only from a true Christian perspective we could possibly say we already see the peace that the victorious Soca Warriors and the crime talks between government and the opposition seem to prompt. It is not yet.

The past week began, yet again, in a too-horrible fashion: seven murders, one kidnapping. It is yet another variation of the crime equation making clear to us that crime is still very much out of control.

We hope, indeed we dare to believe, the triumph of this country's footballers will continue to inspire the nation and Caribbean people, for some time yet. In this regard, the suggestion of Fr Clyde Harvey, expressed in last week's Catholic News , that we find practical ways to harness the good that “Team TnT” has evoked is one that needs to be taken seriously. The success of the Warriors is a canvas on which dedication and discipline could be worked at.

News of the outcome of the government-opposition talks came, on November 18—the day after the team's return, adding to the feeling of euphoria in the nation. It evoked a genuine collective sigh of relief.

But, many people, while welcoming the news of the success of the talks, have doubted the promise the encounter suggested. The talks were important. We commend both parties, but there is still more they must do now in the fight against crime.

Our concern, at this time, is not with the anti-crime package as outlined by Prime Minister Patrick Manning, after the talks. We believe that quite apart from any new legislation which may be promulgated, some action can be taken immediately which can serve to tilt the balance towards a reduction in crime.

Treating each person with dignity

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce has noted there are enough laws on our statute books “which will allow law enforcement authorities to handle crime immediately.” This is not to say that legislation cannot be, or need not be widened.

But, too many signs suggest something is wrong with the soul of the nation, which new laws will not fix. These signs may, at first perhaps, seem to have little to do with crime and violence, but we are convinced they are factors in a complex problem. We refer to the failure to treat each person and community with the dignity they deserve.

Why should Valene Lynch be living with her nine-month-old baby in an abandoned car for four months? Why are the children in Beetham Estate left to make the polluted drains a swimming pool?

The victory of the Soca Warriors and their return home coincided with the perennial problem of flooding in parts of central Trinidad: some feted while others were trapped in their homes without water to drink, for days after. Problems such as these, which arise out of insufficient concern for individuals and groups in our society seem inexhaustible.

Clearly, these problems are not only a matter for parliamentarians. All citizens have a part to play in what is really a matter of human dignity. Those who have come forward to help Ms Lynch sustain our Christian hope.

Remedying the country's social problems is a matter to be tackled with a degree of real urgency. Citizens, the Church, NGOs are called to work at remedying the nation's social ills.

They will do so in varied ways. It is even in the criss-cross of initiatives that progress will be achieved. Still, there are some things which only government and an opposition, fed up with the way things are, can do.