Dear Editor,
Some years ago many Guyanese saw the need for the revival of standards such as good manners, etiquette, discipline, ethics and other fundamental practices which would help to make living worthwhile. Some of the advocates of this movement were well-educated Guyanese among whom was Ms Joyce Sinclair who made tireless efforts to promote these cherished values.
Only this nation can make an honest assessment over the years as to whether we are succeeding.
This year will definitely test this nation’s general character for we will be hosting a number of local and international events. Some of the spectacular occasions being planned are Mashramani, Cricket World Cup, South American Heads Conference, and Common-wealth Finance Ministers Conference.
There will be an invasion of overseas Guyanese and foreigners from many parts of the world and all Guyanese must play a meaningful role in helping to achieve success in this endeavour. There is a lot more to be done in a very short time.
Those who are into any form of business transaction should be professional, honest and courteous in their attitude. It is unwise to address customers as ‘big man or ‘bigger.’ The correct designation must be sir, mister for male, or miss or madam for female. Pulling or tugging the customer’s hand or luggage by conductors or touts should be strictly prohibited. Also the population should try to desist from using explosive expletives.
Will we be able to restore Georgetown to its pristine glory or anywhere near that? Let us pray and work to achieve this. Littering continues unabated in the capital by irresponsible and lawless individuals. Stern measures must be adopted to curb this callous behaviour of some citizens. A number of bins need to be put all over the city, but there are setbacks. Junkies must be prevented from interfering with the garbage and the cleansing workers should clear the bins regularly. Offenders should be heavily fined.
Security should be the major consideration not only at the airport the stadium or at hotels, but in our streets. Be sure our criminals will be determined to steal as much as possible. It is to be hoped that our overworked police force will never forget to monitor the professional confidence tricksters (con men).
Let us co-operate with the organizing committees for these events in every way. Let us hope and pray that the staging of these conferences and extravaganzas will continue to live in the minds of the nation after success has been won.
Yours faithfully,
Malcolm Clarke
