Dear Editor:
Again, the public and the online world is observing the lack of systems, trust and policies by the media and other operatives with a ‘rush to the scene’ objective and motive. The families, helpers and witnesses who experience the recent tragic occurrence were bombarded by the media and the Opposition members to speak at length about a devasting tragedy between 5 – 20hrs of the incident. This is wrong. Remember Madhia, Linden deaths and Adrianna, among others – haven’t we learned anything (gosh!). What about bombarding the Minister, Police Commissioner and Fire Chief with questions? Who is the Acting President at this time? Was the individual sworn-in according to law before the President exited the country? Are the key interviewers and visitors from the Opposition making the pain better or worse? Did the visitors take pastors, religious leaders, caregivers, counselors, etc. to the homes of the vulnerable families? Did they ask the families (especially the women) what are their needs at this time (tangible or intangible)? Did they write it down and did they pray with them?
Editor, the lost of a life is tragic; the lost of a child’s life is spiritually and psychologically devasting to parents, the community and nation. Allow me present a few painful emotions an individual experiences within 24hrs of a major tragedy. This is in no particular order and could vary from person to person. They could experience bereavement disorder, numbness, anxiety including PTSD, guilt, anger, depression, intense sorrow, pain, sleep disturbances, among others. So, picture all the unqualified operatives who immediately descended on the families involved in the tragedy alongside the unstable emotions of the families as witnessed in the news and on social media. We cannot be insensitive and uneducated to the realities imitating in peoples’ lives (they are not cattle). What support services should be available in any country? A working suicide and crisis line, a disaster distress helpline, a list of non-government organizations ready to assist families within one – two days of the tragedy, qualified members (i.e. Chaplains, counselors, pastors, etc.) from a church, temple, or mosque, a government mental health crisis department located in at least three ministries, etc. May I suggest that families should ask a trusted caregiver, pastor or a strong family member/friend to speak on their behalf during painful situations.
The Government, the Opposition and the media need to do better. First, may we push to see a return to the original parliament building constructed in 1834 which will be 191 years in 2025. Secondly, the buck stops with the President and the requisite Minister of government who should have the necessary educational background and skills for the task(s). What about Opposition parties immediately appointing a qualified shadow Minister for every Minister of government? Allow me to highlight some models in the form of the Minister’s bio in Jamaica, T&T and Grenada for Education and Home Affairs. Some jurisdictions have chosen to discontinue the British-inspired name of “Home Affairs”. Instead, they have created Ministries of National Security or Ministry of Justice.
Education
Jamaica: PhD International Studies, Fulbright Scholar, BSc Economics and MSc Government
T&T: PhD in Education and Master’s in Education
Grenada: Masters of Art and BA in General Studies
Minister of Home Affairs, Justice, National Security
Jamaica: University of Oxford: Law, Honors degree: Math, Author: Understanding Crime, Senior Lecturer in Law
T&T: Former Police Senior Superintendent and years of experiences in the police force
Grenada: UWI: Law, current Prime Minister and private law practice
Editor, we need the same or better educational background, skills and years of experiences in Guyana to combat tragic and non-tragic situations. As the hundreds turned out in their pink and those who supported the Guyana/Gaza marches, will you turn out for a peaceful protest and prayer for the tragic situations in your own country or will you continue to bury your head in the sand?
Theologically, in 1 Samuel 30, David faced a great tragedy. Several families, including his were carried away; they were taken captive. The people wept until they had no more strength to weep. David as leader was greatly distressed, however he strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then, he inquired of the Lord; all was recovered. I encouraged the family of Samantha Roach and all Guyanese to “strengthen yourself in the Lord” during a very upsetting time across our country. We need solutions. We need to follow the laws of Guyana. We need a new Constitution. We need God always in Guyana.
Sincerely,
Dr. Denise Murray
