It was inevitable that May 5 would have been designated a national holiday. It has to be accepted that due recognition must be given to the contribution of East Indians to the development of Guyana and if the Indian community felt that a holiday was the way they wanted to be honoured then the best arguments could not have ensured otherwise. An opportunity is taken here to congratulate all East Indians and persons with an East Indian heritage on the attainment of this signal honour. It is expected that this latest of holidays will lead to a greater appreciation and acceptance of all peoples and cultures in Guyana.
Just as it was inevitable that Arrival Day would have been announced, so too was it inevitable that there would be a clamouring for other groups in our diverse society to be recognized with a day of their own as well. It is felt that in similar vein, every other group that calls on the political leaders to honour it by way of a national holiday is equally entitled. There are however the early signs that we are heading for trouble if we continue to readily grant holidays without finding ways to diversify the manner in which tribute and honour are paid to our ancestors. Taking this to the furthest possible limit will lead to at least four other holidays being set aside for Africans, Europeans, Chinese and Amerindians and let us not forget the growing numbers of mixed persons who may at sometime feel entitled to something. Maybe as well in another decade or two, the Brazilians will themselves rightfully claim to be entitled. This is the jeopardy, and dilemma, that the decision-maker faces in having to find a balance between satisfying the interests of all ethnic groups in Guyana and at the same time, preserving the overall national interest. It is no easy task and must be approached, and be seen to be approached, responsibly, maturely and objectively.
It is incumbent on national leaders to begin to find ways of expanding the range of options, which can be exercised or chosen to allow persons and groups to be honoured and remembered. Regrettably, we have all begun to see the holiday as the only way of paying homage to our ancestors' sacrifices and contributions, being oblivious to the fact that we may actually be causing more harm than good socially, politically and of course economically. When our minds become focused on one thing, and one thing only, we begin to sound offensive and nonsensical like one letter writer who recently wrote the African population should be grateful that there will be no Boxing Day as it would give Africans an opportunity to save money. Boxing Day is not an African holiday but actually an integral part of the culture and spirit of Guyana. In the same manner in which some days are protected as being sacrosanct so too must we recognize that other days have great meaning and significance attached to them. It is this type of ridiculous statement which can cause one to take a more jaundiced look at some of what is taking place, and to see hidden agendas at work. Christmas is not only Christmas Day as a good friend recently reminded me but actually a season that is celebrated and much anticipated by all. Let us not kill that spirit by trying to dictate who will be better off by not having to spend money if there is no day to spend money or to fete. Bring back Boxing Day!
What we urgently need done is a revival of the old ways of paying tribute such as the presentation of National Awards. I know at least 1,000 persons of all ethnic, religious, political and socio-economic groupings who should be honoured immediately. What is being noticed is that the announcing and presentation of national awards has skilfully been made an irregular and almost forgotten event. We should see the Committee charged with the responsibility for nominating persons for national awards actively at work year round going into the villages and communities and seeking out outstanding and exemplary work, which defines the true patriotic and Guyanese spirit. We can also consider some other useful suggestions being made about a Day for Unity and Reconciliation, and a Heritage Week or Month. We may also want to begin erecting and establishing lasting monuments and scholarships to honour the past and preserve the future. If we truly want to pay tribute, the work being done by ACDA, GIHA and the various Amerindian Associations should be supported by hefty government grants awarded annually to allow them to educate our people, and develop in a wholesome manner, the cultures of Guyana. We are imaginative and resourceful enough as a people to be able to see beyond a day. If truth be told, no celebration or commemoration on a single day can adequately define the sacrifice and contribution of any one group in Guyana and it is unfair, unnecessary and unimaginative for us to want to do so. By way of example we look at the situation of the Amerindians in Guyana today who despite being "honoured" with a month of activities are no closer to being treated as equals, or remembered for the genocide that heralded the coming of us all.
Similarly, while we pay homage to our ancestors we are reminded that that amongst us now are thousands deserving of attention and honour. A case in point is the group classified as the elderly. The news that residents of the Palms will not receive social assistance benefits is appalling to say the least and shows such a decision to be uncivilised. There is no privilege and benefit from being placed in the Palms and this must be understood. Those who are unfortunate enough not to have loving relatives undertaking the task of caring for them at home must not be seen to be in a better situation than those who are not. This decision of twice punishing our elders who gave their blood, sweat and tears for this country, must be reversed.
Let us not be labelled a hypocritical people who rejoice at the good works of our ancestors but pay scant regard to those who are alive. In paying tribute, we must meaningfully honour every man, woman and child of the past, present and future and this can never be done in a single day.