Dickson C. Igwe. Photo: VINO/File

We believe a newfound affluence from tourism and financial services is alpha and omega. I ask this question: who benefits when a generation of native young men are lost? Think hard!

For every murder, there are two or three men languishing in prison. Then there are those on the street riding scooters and carrying guns and up to no good.

The loss of a generation of youth is the greatest tragedy to hit these islands in decades. There is no point pretending everything is fine.

Politicians and leaders play the proverbial fiddle as we bury our youth. We can only ponder who will fall next to a random shooting.

Conferences and shows on crime are fine. However, where are the solutions? Why is there no clampdown? Why is anarchy on the streets so vivid and in your face? Talk is cheap! Who is bringing in these guns? Why are so many murders unsolved? Why are these gunmen so brazen and roaming about so freely?

I spoke to a well-known young entrepreneur the other day. He asserted that the problem is lack of opportunity in a community that appears affluent. He further asserted the crime and guns problem would get worse.

I offer a single idea: I know there are more. Let us start a truly national apprenticeship program. This is a program to offer young men the technical, hands-on skills to get our young men off the streets.

It should come under a single authority: maybe the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with youth groups and community organisations such as churches and social groups.

It should offer skills in all areas that benefit the economy, from maritime to agriculture, building to landscaping, small engine and mechanical, and much more.

Youth must be mandated to register if they are not working or in full-time education, and offered a stipend.

It is better for taxpayers to fund a national apprenticeship program than become regular visitors to the prison, or attend more burials of young men who had promising futures.

Burying our collective heads in the sand will not end this national tragedy.