YOU CANNOT FLOUT the laws of the land and not expect to suffer the consequences that are bound to follow.
Laws are in place in societies for a reason. They are there to maintain order and as such, must be followed. They cannot be left to the whim and fancy of those who believe they can simply ignore and trample the rules as they see fit. Therefore, in such cases where the laws are not followed, examples must be made of those who do the contrary.
Take for example, last Friday morning when police officers swooped down on vendors at the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal, forcing those without the required permits to pack up their trays and go. There were cries and complaints from some vendors who reluctantly moved on. While it is true that the vendors have families to feed and they are working for an honest dollar selling their fruits and vegetables, the reality is they still need to be plying their trade within the confines of the law. What cannot be tolerated is for vendors to believe that it is okay to work without the necessary permits.
This issue, however, goes beyond vendors and the documents needed to ply their trade. It speaks to the general principle of ensuring that the laws of this country are followed and the fact that no one person should be allowed to feel he or she is above the law.
While some may seem more rigid than some may want, the laws are to be followed and when broken, there are consequences.
Imagine a society without laws. There would inevitably be a breakdown order, which ultimately would lead to chaos and mayhem. This then results in citizens having little respect for lawmakers as well as those in place to uphold the law, for example, the police.
Every day on international news networks, we see evidence of the breakdown in societies where rules are disregarded, and the confusion and conflicts that follow.
In Barbados, there are rules and they must be followed. They govern our society and as such, help to hold together the moral fabric of our country.
We must continue to uphold law and order as to do otherwise would lead to anarchy. What example would we be setting for our children – the same ones we make sacrifices for?
No, it is not right to openly disregard the laws of the land on the pretense of putting food on the table.
