DEAR EDITOR: My name is Albert A. Burl III, and I’ve lived in Garyville all my life. Garyville isn’t as bad as you would want others to believe. I agree that some of the children do hang out late at night, but what programs and opportunities do they have? There aren’t any to really talk about.

First of all, when I was growing up, there were all kinds of activities for kids to participate: baseball, basketball, football, junior deputies. Now, all the funding for these programs has been cut.

In the neighborhood there are trees where once were empty lots in which the children could play. How can one feel good around their surroundings when the leaders of the parish let the property of the owners go unattended? When the parish is contacted about the condition of the property, I was told that it could take up to 60 days to get it cleaned. Why is this so?

What opportunities do the youth of today have? Jobs are scarce. Why cut back on a recreation program and take away other choices that one may have? There is a saying, “Idleness is the devil’s workshop.” I, for one, don’t use that as an excuse. I’ve been blessed. I grew up with a loving parent and grandparents. Even though I had them, there were always activities in my neighborhood, but it was up to me to make my own choices and decisions. Garyville has produced some of the most talented people in the world, but are those same opportunities available now?

How can someone comment on drugs in a community that they don’t live? Drugs can be de-institutionalized with a little effort and the right people who are willing to make a difference in the lives of the children of St. John Parish.

There are positive black faces in the community and in St. John Parish, and crime isn’t written on their faces when seen in stores, malls and movie theaters, at football games and in churches. Why do we feel the need to continue to pass judgement based on the color of a person’s skin? Why not try to help? Why not come up with a solution to the problem? Where is the funding that was given for these situations and what is it being used for?

Albert Burl III
Garyville