Bernardo

6/1/2008

We buried Bernardo, age 19, today. Died of internal injuries sustained from a traditional martial arts class a week before. Not a common event.

But evidence of a troubling underlying phenomenon: the recent proliferation of violent youth gangs often associated with 'martial arts' groups. The weekend fights are drug-and-alcohol-fuelled mass brawls, featuring knives and machetes. 'Martial,' yes; but not much 'art'.
The gangs are concentrated in the capital Dili, 50 kilometres from where we live, but we do see episodic disturbances in neighbouring Liquica, and occasionally even in Vatunau. Gang insignia has recently shown up spray-painted on the village bridge.
The police have been asserting themselves, particularly the 'Task Force', outfitted with riot gear and building a fearsome reputation for breaking bones first and asking questions later.

Timor is awash with NGOs and churches seeking to cope with the concrete problems of a nation emerging from a long and brutal occupation. But we may not have enough labourers addressing the social needs of a traumatized generation, now coming of age.
We're losing the youth.

-raj