There is a growing uneasiness among responsible people in Anguilla over the increasing wanton behaviour of some of our youth on whom the future of the island depends.

Unfortunately, a number of the misguided youngsters are forming themselves in gangs and other indiscipline groups. Some of them are openly and covertly smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, getting in mischief, fights and becoming nuisances in the community in one way or another. This is not only at the community level as similar behavioural patterns are occurring among some of our children at the Comprehensive School in particular.

One of the most disappointing things is that, by and large, the gross misbehaviour is among teenagers, who should be under the control of their parents. Some parents do not know the whereabouts of their children and when questioned admit that they cannot control them. Sadly, a number of parents still become highly offended if some responsible and law-abiding person complains to them, the police or the Department of Social Development about the conduct of their children.

To a very large extent, parents are responsible for the actions of their children and must be held accountable. It is a matter of concern that there are persons among the populace who are becoming reluctant to attend mass functions, fearing breakouts of fighting among rival youth and innocently getting caught up or injured in the feuds.

There is an urgent need for parents, teachers, government, the churches and community organizations to look at the declining behaviour of the island’s young people. We cannot afford to have gangs of young hoodlums causing unnecessary trouble and soiling the reputation of our island.

The Government has made a pledge to pay quality attention to social development in Anguilla, having now achieved a great degree of economic progress. In order to enjoy that accomplishment, let us now do something to save our youth and safeguard the future of Anguilla that depends so much on the younger generation.

In the meantime, parents must ensure that they know the whereabouts of their children. This is really the first step in keeping them out of trouble, protecting them and the Anguillian society.

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