When charity benefits both
I looked up the definition of “charity” in an old dictionary- (sorry for myself not being computer-wise) and nearly got into trouble.
Various meanings led to other words and meanings. I suppose that ultimately, charity does have to do with kindness, giving, love for others, even concern as in “Brother’s Keeper”. Beneficence (from benefactors) has to do with “active kindness.”
“Benevolence” too is about a desire to be good and charitable in the tradition of “Christian love of fellowman”. (I’ll stop because I don’t want to discuss the history of tithing or Zakat.)
So you’re wondering at my waffle today? Well, the media don’t allow me and us – to forget, to not know who recently gave what to whom; when, why and where. Everyday’s newspaper trumpets the good charitable deeds of individuals, groups, organizations toward others in less fortunate circumstances or the sometimes downright needy. Even as I’m usually impressed by the donors and their good deeds, many issues jump out at me. I share some with you – whenever you make the time to contemplate.
Our need for need
In most societies humankind dwell at varying levels. Life’s circumstances and personal approaches to them always determine that a few own and have and enjoy (much) more than others.
Often too, inspired by religious teaching or personally-held moralistic persuasions, the better-offs gladly share with the needier. Who knows? Genuine love for others may be made manifest! In societies like Guyana where the working-class and the not-working-at-all grapple, year after year, to exist above or below some poverty line, the real poor outnumber, by hundreds of thousands, the more comfortable amongst us. Need is forever with us in this repressed economy where “equitable” is just an alien word. Need collides with need continuously. So naturally, enter charity, from relatives remittances, to organized giving and assistance, to both sincere love-based help to wolves in sheep’s clothing.
You can’t miss the old and new charities, foundations, funds, trusts, old students associations, individuals and firms “giving-back-to-community, HIV-AIDS fighters, international service clubs, etcetera!”
The need for publicity
We can agree that the large numbers of vulnerable poor, will be in this challenged Guyanese society for the foreseeable future. Despite anything any government here says.
Certain donors and individuals love to “show up” the government. Their giving then assumes a slight, sometimes overt, political tint. But the needy doesn’t care about the benefactor’s politics. The needy craves the food, the clothes, the cash, the house, the donation.
Frankly Speaking, I now marvel at the contributions of the Jamaican – founded, American – funded Food For The Poor charity in Guyana these days. This group is doling out millions every month! It makes the Human Services Ministry seem non-existent. The old Radio’s Needy Children’s Fund also catches my fancy. Founder Olga-Lopes Seale was my childhood heroine – now Barbados’ gain.
But why should charity be blared about? Publicized so heavily? (I used to cringe as C.N. Sharma gave out old clothes and bread and let it be known continuously. Some people use the lowly-status and embarrassment of the poor for self-glorification. Unaccep-table. Even though the assistance will always be welcomed. Blessed is the anonymous giver who gives clean, honest assistance.
Okay, I know that many registered organizations and official representatives of even individual donors or groups, are legally bound to transparency, to full accountability. They have to let their benefactor-donors know what’s happening to the donations. That the intended did receive what was sent. (I’ll ignore tax considerations here.)
Other donors and charities actually publicise to inspire others to give. They hope that their good deeds will be emulated, replicated. That is sincere and noble. Still other groups advertise their charity in the hope that they will attract much more international assistance for their group. Let’s hope that these latter are not motivated by personal selfishness. There then arises the need for official monitoring, professional accounting and open scrutiny. Pity.
They say it is better to give than to receive. I wonder about that, in my present – day circumstances, but I do know that there is certainly a real joy in helping others. And yes, the best assistance should be aimed at assisting the needy never to need assistance all their lives. Consider all these sentiments about, will you? Even as you give.
A billion-dollar festival?
I suppose it was natural for post – Carifesta contentions and questions to arise. Some folks claim to have the tax-payers’ millions at heart so they demand verifiable accountability. The Minister of Culture has promised just that sometime….
One fellow startled me by declaring that “Carifesta Ten cost a billion – or more!” Seeing my surprise, he hastened to include the millions spent, by overseas delegations, on their participation. And the massive contributions of Private Sector sponsors. Alright, but now I’m wondering: What did the festival cost?
Since the past can be instructive, I prefer to use the present and the future to be productive. That is why I am heartened by the news coming out from the National Mashramani Management Committee. They have announced plans which indicated how much Mashramani 2009 will be influenced by Carifesta Ten. Ritual Ceremonies, NDC competitions, Folk songs contests, Art exhibitions, Regional Cultural Nights are just a few new elements to Mashramani next year. Stay tuned!
Until….
● In the capital Georgetown, there are scores of eye-sores which also serve as havens for criminals and their crime. St Phillips Green cries out for levelling, lighting and security features. Whether city council or Anglican Diocese, can’t something be done?
● Who owns the Globe Yard? Can’t the authorities call in landlords of depressed communities?
● Coming soon: How donor nations benefit more –and The Fenty Foundation For Friendship, Fortune and Fame (FFFFFF). Not fraud.
‘Til Next Week!
Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com
