Dear Editor,
Today there is disgust, outrage, and sadness following the horror of Courtney Crum-Ewing’s death. But this is today, where will we be tomorrow?
Where do we go beyond the anguish? What do we do next? How to be when tangible oppressive fear returns to the many? Look over the shoulder? Mute voice? Travel or advance in packs? Retreat in fear? All of these scenarios are likely, for all are human. Then where does this leave us, if not in a deeper hole and more perilous straits? What kind of existence is this? Perhaps, we can learn, if we care enough, and if we dare, from the man martyred and lauded to the heavens.
In a self-centred, selfish environment, he was the epitome of unselfishness, even to the point of death. There was no contract in the works, no job in mind, no ulterior motive. Such were not his aspirations, these things held no attraction for him.
In a place where everyone looks to the next man to make the first move, and to go first, Crum-Ewing went first. He went alone. Alone! And he did not look around to see if anyone followed. That is a rare kind of conspicuous gallantry, and immeasurable heroism in a state like this. He might be accused of recklessness and lacking in thinking, but no man, none, should question his heart and his spirit. All of us can learn. There comes a time when the all must be laid on the line; he showed us how. Let the chips fall. They did.
In so doing this stricken man set a precedent for us, whether operating alone, or in groups. Let us, therefore, not forget tomorrow, when the echoes recede, this truly great Guyanese who put it all out there, and unflinchingly so, when it mattered most. He will find peace now.
But what about us, what will we do now? Continue to undermine and cut each other at the knees? Allow gnawing fear and chronic division to be the signposts and watchwords of our existence? Scatter or congregate in timidity? Be angry and concerned momentarily, and then return to the pretended normalcy of a circumscribed, paltry life?
The choice is simple; the challenge straightforward: on the knees, or on the feet. Take a stand, or wait for a fall. Stand up, or be put down. Forcibly. Ruthlessly. We can fade into the cocoon of earlier days, and the safe routines of settled ways. I can think of nothing more dishonourable; or more disrespectful to the memory of this great Guyanese, should this be the requiem to him.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
