Earlier this month, the Mandela to Eccles four lane highway was opened. The East Bank corridor’s traffic woes have worsened over the years and so the Mandela to Eccles highway is welcomed to help ease the congestion. During his address at the formal opening, President Ali warned that reckless drivers would face penalties. If found breaching the traffic regulations, they would be ticketed electronically and be required to pay the Guyana Revenue Authority. If they fail to do so their licences would not be renewed.
There are too many reckless and uncouth drivers on Guyana’s roads It is a norm for drivers to breach traffic regulations in Guyana—they run red lights, stop, or park on pedestrian crossings, double-park, block traffic and speed. Illegally obtaining licences is a quiet norm in Guyana however, so some of what we witness on the roads are symptoms of the corruption in this society. And unfortunately, those symptoms also result in the loss of life for there isn’t a week that passes without the occurrence of fatal road accidents.
But it is not only drivers that recklessly use the roads. Often pedestrians can also be seen violating traffic regulations. Many cross the roads when they see the green light while drivers furiously honk their horns. Some pedestrians nonchalant attitude while putting themselves in danger is another symptom that demonstrates how many Guyanese live their lives like they are playing a game of Russian roulette.
There was another significant event with the opening of the road. A new monument was unveiled. The monument is supposedly a depiction of the Harpy Eagle. It is said to weigh 3,000 pounds and is 11 feet high with a wing-span of over 17 feet. It is said to represent the strength of the country, protection of the citizens and the lifting of our economy.
What it is said to represent is laudable, and I am sure that most Guyanese have no issue with this. However, the design of the bird sparked conversations. Many were not impressed by it. Many of us had a moment of “What kind of bird is it? Is it a flying object, or some other unknown creature?”
The majority agreed that it is not a true representation of the Harpy Eagle. Disappointment was expressed profusely on social media. Skilled Guyanese who many concurred could have executed the job of designing the Harpy Eagle more accurately and exceptionally, were named. Comparisons were made with other depictions of Harpy Eagles. The discussions resulted in President Ali defending the monument saying that he will stand with the designers. It was also said that the designers were distressed by some of the comments they saw on social media.
As a creative, I respect all forms of artistic expression. The freedom to express ourselves as creatives is a freedom that should not be challenged. However, artistic expressions are also subject to criticism. Whether it is a phallic rock as the one in Mahdia, or a huge Harpy Eagle-like statue at the Mandela Roundabout, people have the right to express how they feel about it. And since the statue is said to represent strength, protection of the people and lifting of the economy, it is fitting that the public should have their say about what has been produced to represent the Guyanese people. The size of the monument might indeed represent strength, but how will that design of the Harpy Eagle inspire confidence or a sense of security when most people are puzzled by it, critical of it and some are even frightened, especially of the eyes?
The debacle about the bird exposes an ill that runs in our society. Guyana is not short of talent. However, the best or most qualified are not always selected. This is seen in every sector of our society. Nepotism is also an integral part of this society. Many are left behind or are not given opportunities to showcase their talent because they do not have connections to the decision makers. Some are vocal about corruption in the society, and it is the corrupt that often decide who gets the opportunities. What is integrity in this society?
I do not think there is any need to further criticize the designers of the Harpy Eagle, especially since it was reported that they are young people. They did the best they could do. Young people should be given a chance to showcase their talent but with the importance that has been attached to the new statue perhaps working under the guidance or collaborating with more experienced creators most certainly would have resulted in a finer Harpy Eagle.
As a society, our standard should not be mediocrity. Before we excuse poor work, we would be better off building capacity so that the results would always be one of excellence, especially when the work is meant to represent the collective.
There are many lessons that can be learned from this controversy. What do we do when we are granted an opportunity, but the task is too overwhelming for us? Shouldn’t we assign the tasks to those who possess the skills? Unfortunately, when money is involved, and opportunities are scarce, it can be a “dog eat dog world”.
Whether it is the design and construction of a bird or a contractor who might have built five schools who bids to build a new one and the contract is instead awarded to a group of music producers who have never lifted a hammer, this is the Guyana we currently live in.
Some have called for the statue to be recreated. It probably will not be. Perhaps it can be used as a reminder that we the Guyanese people still have a lot to fix about our society. Our dreams for our country are vast, but if we cannot work as a collective, we will continue to be like a flightless bird. The ‘One Guyana’ concept cannot be achieved unless it is justice and equality that governs this society. One thing the bird did was unite a large section of the population regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation.
For now, the eyes of the bird will continue to follow us as we pass the Mandela roundabout. And while drivers have been warned not to be reckless on the Mandela to Eccles highway, there was an accident there when a minibus ran off the road last week. It has not even been a month but many reckless drivers who believe they are invincible will not learn until their actions result in serious injury or death. Thankfully no one died. Whether drivers are careless or careful, one thing we know is that the bird will be watching.
