Dear Editor,
There are so many things that manifest themselves daily, highlighting and reminding us that democracy is much more than just having people cast a vote. That “Of the people by the people for the people” phrase as it is supposed to be, is hardly ever played out in its fullness; there are just too many failings and shortfalls. Once votes are cast, counted and the winner(s) declared, that seems to be the end of democracy. As has become the norm, no one pays attention to the fine print and other aspects of it. No wonder it becomes confused.
We read of so many accounts of the trials, tribulations and distress of ordinary folks ‒ the everyday people, as I like to call them, myself included – and wonder aloud whether ministers, top functionaries, those relevant authorities and those in their overstaffed offices see and read about them? Are they ever moved by them? Do they discuss them and point them out to their superiors or vice versa? Come on, wasn’t it for such a purpose these ministries and departments were created and their employees, employed?
Editor, let’s take, for example, Aubrey Squires and Milton Massiah, two elderly citizens living on the streets as was published by Stabroek News and which one of your regular contributors, Vidyaratha Kissoon, saw the need to comment upon. These two men like so many others have reached the age for a pension but they are not receiving any, because, as one of them reported, he does not have a birth certificate. He gave them all the relevant information which they can use to investigate and rectify the problem, and he said they promised to contact him, but never did. Frustrated, he doesn’t even bother anymore. But that was his entitlement, and his need is even greater because he lives on the streets scraping a dollar any which way. They know where to locate him, so why can’t they have their field personnel check him out and put things in place so that he can get his entitlement. This kind of action is a vital aspect of democracy; they should not sit in an office and say you have to come in to them. There are many situations which demand a different kind of approach. I’m not saying that they should go around looking for these unfortunate folks, but this form of action in itself can to some extent energise some to become a bit more vibrant for their own good. I’ll say democracy is more of a service and does not just hinge on a set of cold, callous rules within a system.
Editor, here is another one for your consideration, a somewhat touching one to rile up anyone except those having a heart of stone. It is about two young woman this time, one called Lukeisha Clarke and the other Althea McPherson, whose story was published by SN on December 25th, 2015. These two young women who reside at Pouderoyen on the West Bank Demerara sustained burns to their bodies after they were shocked by a live wire on October 10th. McPherson was treated and sent home. Clarke who was seven months pregnant at the time suffered the worst burns and was admitted to the GPH. As we were informed the two friends who were standing together heard an explosion, saw a cable overhead on fire and began to run when the cable fell and entangled them. They fell on the road unconscious.
Clarke who is expecting her baby this month had a series of skin grafts. McPherson has been unable to walk because of burns on her feet, as a result of which she has been on sick leave from her job as a security guard. Having no source of income her sister is helping to take care of her and her two children. The burns require daily treatment, so her transportation costs are stressful. As for Lukeisha Clarke her mother lost her job because she was forced to take care of her; obviously she is in bad shape. Now this is what riles one up: it was a member of the Guyana Police Force whose action was responsible for these two young women’s unfortunate state, yet they are left on their own; no one gives a toss; they have no one to turn to. The policeman responsible, they said, never showed up to inquire if they were dead or alive.
You mean to tell me that the Police Commissioner knows nothing about this, that no other senior officer read about it? The police are issued with all our dailies as is every government institution: this is not the way a democracy is supposed to function. What then is the purpose of the Ministry of Social Cohesion? The Ministry of Citizenship? Of Social Security? Of Public Health? Are they not people oriented? They should send their field workers to work! See why every day people get betwixt and between democracy and hypocrisy. Poor folks have to master the art of walking between the raindrops.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
