Dear Editor,
Undoubtedly, people exposed constantly to mediocrity, are likely to accept their situation as a norm over time. People’s behaviour and responses are thus shaped by the confines imposed, albeit subliminally, by this mediocrity. The recent Independence celebrations which culminated with the Inauguration Ceremony at the National Stadium are a case in point. This was a classic example of an event that was bereft of sound planning and execution.
I comment firstly on the attire, image and delivery of the gentleman who was saddled with the task of Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the earlier segment of the event. Someone (the producer for the event ideally) should have advised the MC, and indeed all other performers, of the significance of the occasion and insist on appropriate attire and presentations. I gather that the event was being streamed live to the diaspora.
The live broadcast on NCN was disastrous. Poor footage and even poorer audio were evident. A quick glance through the social media supported my beliefs as Facebook was brimming with negative comments and posts regarding the unsatisfactory telecast. Concerning some of the entertainers; it was in bad taste to be singing a song with a slant towards particular political parties. The elections were over; this was now a national event!
The segregation of the various performances was unnecessary and perhaps even shortsighted. Near to the latter part of the programme, I was surprised by the MC when he announced a “switch to our Indian culture” to introduce a group of performers. I believe a better approach would have been to disregard the usual African dance, Indian dance, Amerindian dance programming, and plan instead for an integration of the various acts. At least for this particular occasion. This would have served to reinforce the overarching mood of a cooperative and unified ‘one people.’
The intention here is not to blame any one person. I am convinced that this situation is a reflection of systems that have been allowed to operate at subpar standards, and which have been accepted by people over the past years. I have always been amazed at the various oddities and negative practices that go seemingly unchallenged by the Guyanese citizens. The results of the recent elections may well be a signal that things are about to change over time.
Yours faithfully,
J Campbell
