Greed blamed for crimes

By Sarafina Sanerivi 18 January 2017, 12:00AM

Latū Faigata, 63 years old from the village of Sale’aumua, knows that nothing is impossible with God.

Speaking to the Village Voice, he says this is the only way Samoa can address the issue of the deteriorating crime rate and social problems.

“We have so many crimes in Samoa nowadays,” said Latū.

“And it’s sad to see that most of these crimes are caused by our children or the youths of this country.”

“For us back then, our lives began in very small fales (houses). Life was simple and peaceful back then. We didn’t have cars, but we were so happy and there were hardly any troubles.”

“But we were grateful and we had the best times of our lives with just simple things we had back then.”

“However, there have been a lot of changes in Samoa. The lifestyle is different. But that is understandable because we are moving forward.”

He went on to say that greed is one of the contributing factors.

“Like I mentioned before, life was simple and simple. We were also grateful and happy with what we had.”

“But with all the new things and new lifestyle we have now, some of us are now attracted to it and are being tempted to get these things using the wrong ways.”

“That’s why they think stealing things is the best thing for them.

He also listed unemployment as one of the contributing factors.”

“Some of these youths are not employed; therefore, they don’t have money to buy the things they want to buy.”

“And this is something we really need to consider. If our youths keep causing crimes, we, the elders are worried about what will happen in the future.”

However, Latū believes the solution to these problems is found at home.

“I believe that one of the reasons why these things are happening is the breakdown in family values.”

“If parents should devote their time with their children and talk to them often, then they wouldn’t be doing things like these.”

“The close relationship the children are out there causing troubles is because the parents are not keeping them under their watch.”

“I also believe that if our children are at home all the time, then they won’t be doing things like these. They won’t end up in jail as well.”

“Teach them young and they will grow up in the right way and the right path.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 18 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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