Dear Editor,
When asked a question at a press conference last Monday dealing with the issue of the purported first lady, I made the point that in a democratic, civilized society, adherence to certain moral principles and time honoured conventions are what separate us from the ugly and the barbarians.
Mr Anand Persaud in his latest letter says that the personal lives of the president and the first lady should be of no concern to anyone. In so far as their inter-personal relationship is concerned, he is correct. However, there is a fundamental flaw. He has shown a clear misunderstanding of the important features which constitute the elements of a decent society. For that reason, some of us have called for a moral and spiritual revival. This is a serious matter, if we are to ensure a safe and secure society.
In the West, of which we are a part, the role of the spouse and the Head of State is always of concern to the citizens within and beyond the borders of a country.
On this matter, I believe many of us have been side-tracked by the argument contained in Persaud’s letter about the use of government resources for an NGO. That is beside the point, save to say that it is no secret that this, the previous and indeed, other governments have always assisted in many ways NGOs and charitable organizations that do creditable work as is the case of the Kids First Fund Project.
But my main point is that in any relationship that is served either by a mutual arrangement or legal process (divorce), the stronger of the two contracting parties is required to ensure that the spouse can maintain a standard of living that he/she had been accustomed to as a result of the marriage. Hence, alimony etc.
Even if this was not the case, but this is the case, it is an act of incivility if facilities are to be withdrawn, not to give the person sufficient notice to make adjustments.
This therefore is not a simple personal matter. It’s a matter that suggests certain level of arrogant bullyism now creeping into the scheme of things, it says we can do whatever we care and that’s the end of the matter. Assault physically or mentally, to give but one example.
I have raised this issue because as an experienced person we need to see it in the wider context. We must not see the trees alone and ignore the forest that is on fire.
I am told that the sudden withdrawal of the vehicle is not the only punitive act; if so, this is an assault on womanhood, and whatever may be the proclivities of the Guyanese man, let me say before anyone says it. I have never claimed to be and never was an angel, we have erred.
I have sought forgiveness. However, dealing with matters that concern our spouses or partners, we must show respect and cherish them. Even though constitutions of the last century have granted women equal rights, real men, ‘He Men’ must always pay respect to and honour our women.
The marriage vow of course declares, ‘for better, or for worse – till death do us part’.
The civil law and some religions have divergent views on the sanctity of this vow. Nevertheless I hope that our women’s groups and those who talk about women’s rights would speak up, and also quietly prevail upon His Excellency to be gracious and ensure, that his wife (former, estranged, or detached), is not humiliated.
Allow me to add this caveat: We tend to mimic the West. In those societies, and quite rightly so, they acknowledge former holders of high positions, such as presidents, prime ministers their spouses, heads/chiefs of service.
It appears here that previous holders of honoured positions are easily dumped or disregarded. This is not a good thing. If that is the philosophy of the powers that be, I urge them to reconsider it before we rend the slender fabric of our society.
Today is John, tomorrow it could be Jack, Jackie or Jasmintie.
Finally, I hope that folks around are not disciples of the celebrated lawyer Sir William Blackstone (1723-80) who contended thus – “In marriage, husband and wife are one person – and that person is the husband.”
We must seek after excellence wherever.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green JP
Mayor
