I do not support everything associated with Trumpism, but I came across one initiative that I can wholeheartedly support: the United States’ use of passport restrictions against chronic offenders who deliberately refuse to pay court ordered child support.
Trinidad and Tobago should seriously consider a similar policy.
There are parents in this country who fail to meet their child support obligations while continuing to travel abroad for business, vacations and leisure. How can someone claim that they cannot afford to support their children, yet somehow find the money to travel?
Child support should be a priority. These are not optional payments. They are responsibilities toward one’s own children. When a parent repeatedly refuses to meet that responsibility, the consequences must be meaningful.
I am not suggesting that someone who genuinely cannot pay should be punished. There must be due process and consideration for genuine financial hardship. But for chronic and deliberate defaulters, the State should have stronger enforcement powers, including restrictions on international travel until the arrears are addressed or an acceptable payment arrangement is established.
Our children should come before vacations, luxury spending and foreign travel.
If the existing laws are not working, then it is time to strengthen them. Trinidad and Tobago should stop allowing chronic child support defaulters to simply ignore their obligations while continuing to live their lives as though nothing is owed.
Child support should not be treated as a suggestion. It is a responsibility, and our laws should make that absolutely clear.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
