In a letter to this newspaper, published on Monday last, Mr Vanrick Beresford lamented that the launching of the Men’s Affairs Bureau, held on Friday, March 4, started some 40 minutes after its scheduled time owing to the President being late. In fact, President Bharrat Jagdeo, who gave the feature address, did not show up until about an hour after the programme had started, did not apologise for his tardiness, but chose to insinuate that others had been late as well.
The letter writer went on to expound on the virtues of timeliness and also to describe how “offensive, unacceptable, disrespectful and counterproductive” unpunctuality is. In his book, he said, “punctuality is the hallmark of excellence.” Mr Beresford, whose letter reveals that he is from what is called ‘the old school,’ has obviously not been to many government-hosted/sponsored functions. If he had, he would have seen long ago that such excellence is virtually non-existent.
Last Friday was not the first time that President Jagdeo was late for an official function; more likely than not, it will not be the last time either. The President is habitually late for media conferences, for which he or his staff would have set the time.
Prime Minister Sam Hinds too is sometimes late at official functions.
Not surprisingly, many ministers of the government do the same thing – turn up way after the starting time given for functions and at press conferences.
The saying ‘Guyanese time is anytime’ has been around for quite a while. However, over the past ten years or so, it has become much more meaningful. Late arrival by all and sundry has become habitual; the norm rather than the aberration it ought to be. The saying ‘Time is money’ rarely seems to have relevance any more. Time, it seems, is set only to be completely ignored to the point where when it is actually kept, shock and awe are expressed.
Years ago, noted singer/songwriter Dave Martins sang about the lack of regard for punctuality in his calypso ‘It’s Traditional,’ which pokes fun at some so-called West Indian traditions. While the calypso evokes a smile, it cannot be funny for anyone who makes an effort to be on time, to be sitting around waiting for the President, Prime Minister or other ministers of the government to arrive before a programme can start.
It is terribly ill-mannered, too, when a private citizen holds an event, the guests turn up and the host is ‘fashionably late,’ putting in an appearance hours after. This also happens at churches and religious functions and at weddings and funerals; showing up long after the scheduled time denotes gross disrespect. But because few will speak up, it appears that it is acceptable and some people instead of being contrite and embarrassed that they arrived late, will make no effort to be on time in the future.
It’s frightening and could be life-threatening when doctors and other medical personnel arrive late for work, since in some instances time can be the factor between saving and losing a life.
Of course there will be those who will want to point out that this does not only happen in Guyana. But it’s precisely because we constantly compare ourselves with mediocrity that we continue to slide backwards, when instead we should be seeking to emulate and surpass what is considered excellence.
Mr Vanrick Beresford’s letter is therefore timely, but whether those to whom it is directed will take the time to read it and absorb its meaning, only time will tell.
