IT’S Christmastime again.

And one can only truly understand the reason for the season if she pays particular attention to the significance of Jesus Christ and by being kind and sharing to her fellowomen.

The truth though is that this behaviour should be practised all year round.

Everyone knows that Christmas has been commercialised by the businessman, and now its meaning to many is one of getting all that one needs to fix-up his or her home and the buying of gifts for family and friends.

But, nowadays, it is not only the businessman you have to worry about “stealing” from you.

We also have the high rise in crime and “the bomber”.

It is not safe anywhere.

It is not safe anymore.

One does not know what the person standing next to you, is walking around with in his bag or what he is likely to do.

Or what’s in the nearby dustbins or even garbage not already picked up by the truck.

What strange cars or vans are around waiting to push one inside?

The high rate of kidnapping is alarming.

Some victims are not even fortunate enough to be returned to their homes.

Yes, Christmas is here again, but with a different type of crime. This situation is disturbing to the business community especially, but to the country as a whole.

When people go out to shop they now have to be constantly looking over their shoulders, as a result of the current situation.

Is it really safe anymore to trust even people who you know?

Because maybe, just maybe, it could be that same person who you know and trust, who may be “selling you out” to the kidnapper, for a fee, by telling him about your worth.

The bomber is another story by itself.

More than ever, one has to be careful, and understand the times in which we are now living.

When we are going about our normal business or especially Christmas shopping, there is a need to know much more about the surroundings.

Do not just worry about the store you have to go to tomorrow and what you have to purchase.

Think about where the store is located and the time of day you intend to purchase your item or items, and would the store be crowded.

It makes no sense going to a store at a time when you know that it would be crowded. Think about accessibility to the exit in the event that something unusual takes place.

Yes, carefree life has gone.

Gone are the days when one could go paranging from house to house, without a care in the world.

And returning home late when one attends shows such as Sugar Aloes in Concert, for example, is now a bigger risk.

Gone are the days when you can just close your door and go next door to visit the neighbour; the door now has to be locked.

Gone are the days when one could have gone anywhere using one route, especially if this route is travelled often.

For one’s own security and safety, alternative routes should now be used every time. For who knows who may be watching.

I am telling you: It is not safe anymore.