Here are some relevant definitions from one of my old-time dictionaries. (Are dictionaries still in use by the dot-com generation?)
“Jubilee” – a” fiftieth (50th) anniversary.” “A season or occasion of/for celebration.” “Golden Years” – the advanced years in a life-time.” “Golden-Ager” an elderly and often retired person (usually engaging in club activities.”) “Golden” Wedding Anniversary – the fiftieth anniversary of a marriage.
So what does all that have to do with my caption above and issue(s) below?
Well since there is now an official and structured year-long “celebration” of the soon-to-be fifty-year old State of Guyana, I am taking the “new” Government at its word in terms of the respect and care of its citizens, 55 and over, 65 and over and all other golden-years Guyanese from 70 (and over) to the few centenarians amongst us.
Stretching the indicators somewhat, different social historians say that you can tell the status and reputation of a society by observing how it treats its books, animals and elderly folks! (For varying reasons, fifty-five, sixty-five and seventy hold significant importance for our elder citizens.)
But just how are they regarded and treated in our fifty-year old Republic?
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“Life begins at 40”, retirement?
Some societies declare that “life begins at forty”, suggesting that a 40-year-old would have accumulated enough experience to face the future confidently. But what, when is old, elderly, senior, golden?
As I discussed some years ago, these stages or milestones vary according to culture or jurisdictions. An old citizen in Cuba, California or Guyana might not be considered senior in China. In that part of Asia, as in Russia, people live beyond 80 routinely.
Some countries also have age-limits to determine compulsory retirement from the established Public Service. Issues here touch on the legal, the constitutional, traditional and cultural.
Naturally, a very matured citizen’s health can affect performance. Ageing can even thus be “fast forwarded.” Now we have both a National Constitution which addresses the concerns of the elderly, (check the provisions of articles 24, 149 (B) and 213.), and a National Commission on the Elderly. I’m not familiar with this commission’s activities, partly because they ignored my application to contribute.
But what are the realities here where “old people” over 60 are concerned?
Whilst the “Elderly Commission” is headed by a very senior citizen, an eminent retired Jurist, and while it is bound to attend to the constitutional rights and statutory arrangements in place, I feel that there must now be a structured practical lobby to provide our over- 60, over -70 population with such necessities as free or subsidized transportation, medical care, retirement facilities, hospices, electricity and water.
Many seniors should still be guided into appropriate employment – based on skills and health status. There are not many of us compared to the nation’s under-forties.
The poor in Guyana – especially male bread winners- do not really retire after formal employment. Economic circumstances determine that they toil until they drop! Witness 70-plus, 82-year-old security guards etc.
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A golden, considerate House?
Today’s Parliamentary Opposition recently taunted the government side about the “matured” ages of most Ministers and senior members.
In just eight months and two Budgets the Granger administration raised Old Age Pensions and Public Assistance “reasonably”. Appreciation recorded.
Well the President himself is past 70. He is a multiple pensioner- army, NIS, Old Age, Parliament (?) – so I suspect that he and the government will be sympathetic to retired Public Servants’ needs.
Dignity needs to be sustained in one’s Golden Years as provided for through article 149 (B) which addresses the “absolute and enforceable rights“ regarding Public Sector earned pensions.
On the other hand, trade unions and the Private Sector should champion and fashion benefits for their retired folks, and benefits do not always have to be in the form of money. Think of ways to assist. And it must not be considered charity…
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“Irrefutable” cases vs thievery?
It’s that word “irrefutable” that caught my eye and fancy once again.
The Police Commander of “E” Division (Region 10,) Linden etc) has indicated that his investigators have irrefutable evidence in a case they are making against a former magistrate, now a practising attorney. The lawyer, allegedly, attempted to “pervert the course of justice.”
Good for the police there. So far. Which brings me back to one of my now- favourite issues which I’ve made personal. In terms of using this column, relentlessly, to remind Dr. Clive Thomas, Head of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) about his promise to have the alleged political thieves of the former administration prosecuted for various alleged instances of misappropriation, of outright “larceny” of the resources belonging to the State, to the people.
He too spoke of “irrefutable cases” being built against alleged crooks- in high places who seem to have denied poor families, villages and needy communities the benefit of resources now stashed for personal selfish gain. For if the promises of President Granger, Dr Thomas and Ministers Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are not kept, two main things will result: Their reputation and integrity will take a battering, with thousands of Guyanese losing faith and secondly, the Executive Thieves and their political pals and Private Sector connections will thumb their noses at the government and its investigators. Scot free with national loot.
I’ve been reading about the practical assistance SARU, SOCU, GRA etc. have been receiving from the USA, the Irish, Britain. I’m told that we must be patient as these irrefutable cases are being built. I’m holding my breath, Mr President. Don’t let me suffocate! (At the minimum, there should be some prosecutions.)
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Ponder, consider…
I’d welcome accountants Ram or Goolsarran undertaking to quantify the billions misappropriated before last May. You know: Amaila Road, mediocre infrastructure, “Loans” to GRDB, Fibre Optic Cable, Marriott etc., etc.
On the Friday just before Monday’s May 11th Election Day last, a fellow asked Opposition Leader Granger (vis CNS TV6) to “do something” about the jungle on D’Urban Park. Wonder how that caller feels now? (Contact me.)
Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
