Dear Editor,
Guyana continues to rock the boat of morality. As crime, corruption and collision continue to be the order of the day and night in Guyana, on the road, off the road, in offices, in homes, in the streets and in every nook and cranny in the community, civil society and concerned citizens become weary, worried and wary of politicians, police and people in high society who seem to be above the law. No wonder the Honourable Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond emphasized, “corruption thrives where supervision is weak.”
There will always be the desperate need to examine how wholesale lawlessness prevails in our societies and communities, how the flamed fire is fanned, fueled and fed by illegal activities and how misconduct is sustained by law agencies whom we entrust to execute rules and regulations but fail miserably to withstand the test of time. The amber light certainly means a green continuum for dishonesty, deceit and double-dealing.
Society seems to have missed the goal post of loyalty. Not a day passes by and Guyanese do not stop revisiting the polluted environment which goes unrecognized, partially acknowledged or swept under the carpet. The downplay of reality dilutes words, deeds and actions as exhibited by authorized personnel and the scrutiny of their sincerity is a work in process that will remain during its entirety of their term in office and in whatever position they serve. Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken reminded officers that, “integrity must guide their conduct, both on and off duty.”
It’s time we slow down from concentrating on how we can provide the avenues for perks and presents, awards and rewards, grants and gifts, dividends and donations, bribery and bonus, freebies and favours, and benefits and boons. The gravy train has a shelf life. Is it five, fifteen or fifty years? Oil may not spoil but it is not replaceable or replicable. Its sidekick, gas, shares the same fate. Let’s not lose sight of reality stop. According to the local government minister, Honourable Priya Manickchand, those entrusted in privileged positions must “demonstrate commitment, accountability and daily efforts to improve communities.”
Our society remains fragile, fearsome and fermented. The social infrastructure is cemented on a weak foundation and it demands the application of strengthening their five pillars in particular the humane touch for conscious behaviour. This relationship is peddled on a cycle of seriousness and earnestness. If not, we’ll be spinning on the ferris wheel. As President Dr. Irfaan Ali reminded us for Ramadan, “Let compassion become a national habit…we have a duty towards each other in the family of humanity.”
On the Festival of Colours, Holi, President Dr. Ali joyfully but seriously remarked, “when we gather in the streets…we are not merely playing…” Over the weekend, President Ali visited his hometown village, Leonora, where he was born, bred and brought up. He strolled through the new Leonora market, mixed and mingled with customers, shoppers, buyers, planters, sellers and the public at large.
He listened, observed and made recommendations for problematic issues facing the dwellers at the market. The people at large were happy to have him among themselves. He is a people-oriented person. Earlier that Friday morning, he took time off to stroll by the Leonora sea wall, where fishermen and women ply their trade by the koker. Much was discussed and again, recommendations were made for remedial services. The fishmongers were pleasantly surprised with his companionship and the ease with which he patronised them.
But then again, he is a man of words, wisdom and whereabouts. To quote him, he scripturally punctuated, “and yet, even as we ascend, we must ask ourselves: who ascends with us? We are our brothers’ keepers. We are our sisters’ keepers.” It is a pity the President was unable to make other pertinent visits. He would have seen where one side street remains incomplete after some six months of being under construction. Can you imagine the plight of the villagers using that street?
The night life perhaps is foreign to the President in Leonora. Leonora has gained the ill reputation of being the “Mecca for illicit entertainment.” This may be a Region 3 crown but strongly challenged at a national level. How much more must be said and written about the annoying anomalies, the abominable atrocities and the atrocious abhorrence where human rights are being infringed, the law is inapplicable, health hazards are not discouraged, conflict of interest supersedes the preservation of law and order, rules and regulations are dismissed and there is no respect for civil obedience in a society that was once the pride of our ancestors.
Of what use is the call by the Minister of Legal affairs, the honourable Nandlall that, “noise nuisance is illegal.” It’s a waste of time and effort that the Minister within the ministry of Housing once pronounced that, “bars in residential areas are illegal.” How can all the legal agencies encourage bars and nightclubs to be open whole night and disturb peaceful citizens in residential areas?
His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali proclaimed, “calling on citizens to embrace reflection, humility and compassion as they observe the sacred festivals…”
Will the Government’s eyes play on the pitiful plight of Leonorians as a stepping stone to fix a national issue? Are politicians, police and people in high society protecting proprietors of bars and principles of pretentious priorities in order to propagate lawlessness?