The whole concept of the Guyana-brand of “junkies” is worth some additional study even though I suspect much has already been attempted with respect to this unwanted social phenomenon. My consideration relates to why drug addicts become social rejects so swiftly. Then what should be done to invite them off the streets and pavements.
Prevention, I know, is far better than cure. But I would love new legislation to take strong young addicts- and the mentally-challenged – to modern Rehab Centres. These centres should be manned by friendly, firm professionals – doctors, nurses, psychiatrist, tutors, wardens – who would ensure that residents are reformed for an eventual return to society. (Residents must have space to be productively self-sufficient whilst in treatment.) (Check Cuba.).
But why did I “get ahead of myself” in that lengthy paragraph above? Well, partly, it’s because I feel that even our so-called “junkies” should be made to play a (positive) role in the massive clean-up/transformation currently on in the Capital and, hopefully, throughout all coastal and other communities. (Let us realise that after “cleaning” comes maintenance. Continuous standards of cleanliness and aesthetics and landscaping do much for even our collective soul.) Cleanliness also lift spirits.
When “junkies” realise that the more normal productive citizens are themselves now committed to a more “civilized” norm of complete cleanliness and just will not tolerate their deviant defiance of municipal laws and human decency the change will become constant.
The Jermayne Junkies
But how did our Jermayne (not his actual name) become what he is described as? His case typifies the broader canvas that reveals the national break-down of social norms, social security-nets, moral values and economic mismanagement that spawns unemployment and all the other ills which include depression, desperation and law-breaking.
Jermayne was like an orphan at twelve. “Single-parent” mom with him and four others. Dropped out of school, sent to NOC in Essequibo where he did learn some good carpentry and steel-band skills. Back in Georgetown however, his mom died; nowhere to call home and only occasional “jobs” but no real employment. Marijuana then cocaine became his companions. The Salvation Army’s Rehab always seemed filled.
A few thefts, a few convictions, no place to turn to for real lasting reform and redemption. Enter Jermayne the latest “junkie.” He is to blame for himself at thirty-three, of course. But couldn’t a few others and institutions share that blame?
So as Christmas 2015 beckons, Jermayne knows that there will be abundant junk; giant garbage to rummage through, to dispose of on behalf of the three cheap, greedy store owners. But wait! There is this seriously supervised clean-up! And mobile city constables! This looks like the real thing! What is to become of Jermayne? And what is society to do about our junkies? We do have a new caring government now. So let hope reign.
Veteran pride, national contributions
I actually attended the army’s 50th Church Service and the Trooping of its colours and saw the parachute jumps and some of the Tattoo. I’ve also been seeing since May 26 last, a resurgence of pride amongst our military personnel, past and present. The Legion’s Veterans, the current ordinary ranks all seem to be infused with a sense of belonging; the esprit de corps so missing recently, has returned under the chief of staff that is Mark Phillips.
But it is the six-month doings of the Commander-in–Chief that is behind this obvious resurgence of military pride. Their Commander Veteran-President has declared a Defence Force Day and promises to enact legislation to take care of the good veterans. (Incidentally if any rogue soldier dares to embarrass the Army, what should be done with him?)
A certain Commissioner of Police once provided me with a long list of errant (past) soldiers who did criminal things— Eyelash, Jungle Commando, Soldier Godfrey Smith, Beast, Blackie, Connelly, Douglas, et al. It’s not too difficult to speculate as to why these fellows turned to serious crime after leaving the army. (At the time, Major General Singh could have also given me a list of ex-cops who became criminals.)
With this Commander-in-Chief’s Presidential trends, I suspect that former soldiers might be reluctant to turn their backs on the Army’s prestige. There are bound to be productive opportunities. Burnham and Hoyte saw that the army’s trained and qualified minds could be put to wider national service and they deployed a few officers accordingly. Jagdeo understood that but was rather selfishly punitive.
Now check these surnames: Granger, McLean, Singh, Best, Collins Atherly, Harmon, Lowenfield, Riehl, London, Archer, McClennan, Bowman, Henry, Reynolds, Liverpool, Lovell, Gomes, Morgan, and Johnson and Lindon Ross- the last two deceased this year. Those 21 names are merely indicative of what the army has contributed to national development. Militarisation my foot! But those still serving the civilian populace must bear in mind that we are not their “junior ranks”. Behave appropriately towards us and you “old soldiers,” are welcome.
Why not ponder?
Even the scout movement is to be re-energized.
60,000(sixty thousand) refugees are accepted into one small American city.
Most of them are Muslims. The other 100,000 citizen are of other various faiths. Accommodation?
Coming next week: A brown America, Fearful?
Til next week!
(comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
