At this stage of my Guyanese existence – inclusive of my childhood exposure to a very wide variety of Christian teachings – I welcome any criticism which describes me as a “Christmas Skeptic” now. Because it’s true!
Whilst skepticism generally has to do with doubt about certainty or absolute truth, it also refers to doubt about religious beliefs. I think I fall flush into such categories. Even though I also accept the reality of and need for humankind grounding their existence in some higher creator and faith. Some form of “church” is also pivotal to man’s beliefs and religions.
Christmas falls “securely” within my own skepticism. But this only developed over the past forty years beginning with my daughters’ coming of age into their own adulthood. Of course the Christian story of Jesus’ Virgin Birth (by “Immaculate Conception”) remains a charming spellbinding tale. Any account – actual or mythical – which inspires hope for a future of reward for goodness and work; which promises a representative – even a “Messiah”- to teach and guide mankind to acceptable living, must be welcome. Thus the longevity of the Christian festival of birth which has even permeated other non-Christian groups remains.
Because, stripped of its Paganistic origins and heathen decorations, Christmas evokes the better instincts in a majority of Christian populations. Including all Guyanese. My call is for the Christmas spirit to be manifested and to prevail throughout all twelve months of the year! The Christmas story includes the twelve days – from the false mythical December 25 to 5th/6th January the Epiphany Date involving the three wise Eastern /African Kings’ visit to the Little Baby Jesus. So I’m advocating for good Christmas-like deeds from just 12 days to 12 months.
*********
Our Guyana’s 12 months of Christmas
But guess what really, actually influenced me to express all the foregoing sentiments.
Amidst all the COVID-19 Christmas 20 preparations and the near-deadly challenges of the COVID itself, a news release from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security managed to move me in terms of the spirit of Christmas. Which Guyana must maintain and sustain always. Dr Vindy’s ministry has launched “An initiative” through which “special needs children” could request a longed-for Christmas wish country-wide and the Ministry will make every effort to grant that request. How compassionate!
The Special Children are listed as children who are terminally ill; who suffer from various disabilities; who lost parents and those suffering from psychological trauma.
Even more touching, the ministry is reaching out to needy youngsters “Who never had the opportunity to enjoy something they need or really wish for that one gift that would make them incredibly happy.” I overcame my mild disbelief in time to congratulate the lady minister for this extreme seasonal generosity.
Children are now dropping off their requests. My hope is that adults do not influence the children to try to exploit good intentions.
These gestures must inform policy and programmes all year round. Health care in all regions must be upgraded; house-lots with infrastructure fully awarded monthly; oil revenues shared equitably; old age senior assistance adequate; educational opportunities always available. Any government would be challenged. But successful governments make Christmas real every day for twelve months yearly!
Ethnic realities, constitutional, legislative love
Unashamedly, I ask the editor to allow this repeat from last Friday: “POOR ERC. DON’T YOU SEE HOW PHONY MOST LEADERS ARE ON THIS VITAL ISSUE? CAN’T YOU NOTICE HOW DIVISION IS CONSTANTLY PROMOTED – WHETHER DELIBERATELY OR SUBTLY – WHEN SPECIFIC ACTIONS ARE EXECUTED BY LEADERS IN PUBLIC LIFE?
PERHAPS JUST AFTER AGE SEVEN, THEN THROUGHOUT THEIR TEENS TO STATUTORY ADULTHOOD, racial and class division assail our young. I Fenty preach again: strive first for productive peaceful co-existence among all. Resource development must be experienced by all. Young relationships can be spawned, ignoring differences. Who knows? Later can come “unity”, even love. Mouthing the clichés are no longer even aspirational. Fake and artificial are easily detected.
Even the ERC “conversations” revealed rifts among decision-influencers. Support Fenty’s positions yeh!
Our constitution is replete with “Ethnic Cohesion” rights and “guarantees.” Aspirational! Article 212 outlines 24 functions for the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).
No need for details. Do unto others as you wish to be treated! No constitution or laws/legislation can legislate “unity” or “harmony”. Parents, families, teachers and preachers can influence. But political leaders, ambitious selfish power-seekers can wreck what those righteous try to attain. If you are religious, just pray! For all races and the ERC.
‘Til Christmas Day! (allanafenty@yahoo.com)
