Editorial-IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR

We occasionally hear about certain unlawful acts in some parts of the world in reaction to incidents which have an emotional effect on persons for one reason or another. For instance, a soccer match lost by one team may erupt into an uncalled for demonstration, rampage or even worse scenarios orchestrated by disappointed or aggrieved supporters. While their disappointment may be understood, this does not give them a license to break the law and thus become liable to prosecution for committing an offence.

Contrast this with the blocking of the South Valley road in Anguilla on Monday evening by a group of youngsters whose friend was unfortunately killed in a road accident. They were quite rightly and understandably saddened as they laid wreaths and branches of flower-bearing plants as a mark of respect for him, but in doing so on a section of the road, were they right to take over the street and forcibly divert traffic and pedestrians, thus defying the traffic regulations and the police? An emphatic no. To be fair to them, they used the opportunity also to call on the police to take action in a case in which the driver of the vehicle, from which their friend fell to his death, was stabbed by someone; but this too was not a valid excuse for blocking the road.

They would have earned more admiration for their show of grief if they had not blocked the road but had instead congregated in one of the vacant areas nearby. The effect of and reason for their action would not have been marginalised. The incident attracted a large crowd to the area, among which were disapproving voices. The police arrived on the scene and were able to exercise restraint and good judgment in what was a volatile situation. The road was cleared and eventually the youngsters walked away. They should however be commended for not causing any more difficulty.

We call on our youth everywhere, and those who have influence over them, to uphold the good name of Anguilla and to act responsibly and with good behavior at all times. They must not be copycats of negative and unlawful practices which are foreign to our island. There are a multitude of good and responsible young people on the island whom others must try to emulate for on their shoulders rests our future. The beauty of Anguilla lies in its people and we must hold on to that noble and traditional claim.