This week's special issue on genetics is prompted by a simple thought. Every year, babies are born in our community with entirely - and easily - avoidable medical disorders.

Some die in childhood, others in early adulthood. But their pain and suffering, and that of their families, need never have happened if their parents had been genetically tested. Other diaspora communities have extensive and well-entrenched programmes, but our record is woeful.

Testing is sporadic and unusual. Primarily, this is the result of ignorance. Few of us have the least idea of the importance of testing.

Jnetics does a sterling job attempting to raise awareness but it is desperately short of the funds it needs. A serious programme requires not just widespread testing but also education to inculcate the idea that a test is a vital part of the decision to have children.

We could, almost at a stroke, wipe out some of the most appalling disorders known to mankind. Funding both the tests and the educational programme to raise awareness of their need is a moral and financial imperative.

Disturbing omen

Few more chilling videos have emerged since the election of Donald Trump than the footage of 'white nationalist' Richard Spencer at a rally in Washington last week. The Trump campaign, backed by the so-called 'alt-right', has unleashed and emboldened the forces of darkness.

The subsequent words by the President-elect attempting to distance himself are the very definition of too little, too late. The omens for the Trump presidency are deeply disturbing