Dear Editor,
There’s a famous exchange in Brecht’s play The Life of Galileo in which Andrea says, “Unhappy the land that has no heroes,” and Galileo replies, “No, unhappy the land that needs heroes.” I must admit that I am with the unsung Andrea here. All nations need heroes. To accept Galileo’s notion would be a great injustice to those who have been working selflessly to serve Guyana in this age of ‘self.’
Considering the depths to which the institution of government in Guyana has sunk and the reputational damage suffered as a consequence of its descent, it is not surprising that our government places no value on honouring deserving citizens with appropriate awards. National honours are a recognition of those who by their service and contribution have had a meaningful and significant impact on national life. This was usually done on the anniversary of Guyana’s independence. For several years, this has not been so.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul received the Cacique Crown of Honour, Guyana’s third highest honour last March, after his outstanding performance which included winning ICC Cricketer of the Year 2008. I am sure that there are several other Guyanese who diligently serve this country as farmers, teachers, police officers, members of the Guyana Defence Force, nurses and indeed in various other capacities whose immense contribution to national development has never been acknowledged.
Similarly, no longer are there Guyana Scholars. These students were bright, hard-working and focused over the long haul. They came from all socio-economic backgrounds and winning the Guyana Scholarship was a mark of excellence worthy of honour. These scholarships served not only to honour the intellectual achievement of the winners, but recognised the legitimacy and importance of intellectual achievement in general and served to encourage others in its pursuit. These Guyana Scholars have gone on to distinguish themselves in their respective fields, both at home and abroad and include Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, and Dr Sheik Riyad Insanally, OAS Director in Trinidad & Tobago.
In keeping with its consistent stance of non-recognition, there have been no appointments of lawyers since 1996, to the coveted rank of Senior Counsel, the elite cadre of the profession. Those recognised for exceptional merit and contribution then were, Attorney General Charles Ramson, Speaker of Guyana’s Parliament Ralph Ramkarran, and Messrs Richard Fields, Samuel Brotherson, Ian Chang and Moen McDoom. A female has never had that distinction conferred on her.
President Jagdeo nominated for efforts on behalf of climate change, waits to join President Obama as a Nobel Prize winner. This while his government has failed to recognise and reward the outstanding feats and achievements of its citizens. Such recognition and reward place on record public appreciation for the contributions of those citizens who have distinguished themselves in their service to the nation. They are also instruments for motivating the wider citizenry to strive for greater heights and to contribute more actively towards promoting the nation’s intellectual, creative and societal value systems.
Yours faithfully,
Dawn A Holder
