THE EDITOR: Akash Samaroo must be commended for highlighting the case of Rakesh Rambarran, the former security guard now disabled from a gunshot to the head, and bedridden, existing with only the care of his mother. Rambarran and his mother are victims so many times over.

So he was a victim of a heinous crime, for which the punishment is state care for the offenders, since the law will be so proud of itself when it argues for their rehabilitation, but no one will give a damn about Rambarran's rehabilitation. Rambarran was robbed of any chance to make it in life, while others live by criminal means and drink brandy by the gallon with chains around their necks.

Of course, there is not a single ministry that has the resources to help this man. The Ministry of Health has millions to build a leaking head office and a 15-storey white elephant, glitz and glamour for hospitals, but it does not have an ambulance, a nurse and doctor or a caregiver to help Rambarran. It does not have funds to help with his pampers or his physiotherapy. Things are bad when it comes to these cases.

The Ministry of Social Welfare will boast of how many food cards it withdrew from people, but it does not have $500 to give Rambarran's mother. Indeed, of all the charity we extend to illegal immigrants, not one charity has anything to give him, unless he can be counted as a convert.

I cry shame on all of government that sits and watches huge abandoned schools all the way to Icacos, all over the country HDC settlements are given to undeserving people, who refuse to pay rent, but here is a young man who didn't ask for anyone to shoot him in his head, and now has to subsist like a secret the Government wants hidden.

These are the people who really need the help of the Government. The Prime Minister may not want to take ownership, but Rakesh Rambarran is a an example of the true cost of crime which cannot be measured. This is what happens when you nurture a crime problem of people running wild. This is a good example of the inestimable suffering everyday people endure while the rest of the nation fetes and parties, thinking all is well.

I ask God to intervene on Rambarran's behalf.

LINDA CAPILDEO

St James

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