Honour people when they are alive

Apr 06, 2010 Editorial

It is either that is some countries the leaders are hypocritical or they are very complacent. They often ignore the contributions by those who work assiduously to make the country a better place for those who may follow.
Immediately the names of such Guyanese that come readily to mind are Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, the Costellos who founded Tutorial High School, Rudy Luck who founded Central high School, Richard Ishmael, Sir David Rose, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and of course people like Jane Phillips-Gay, Viola Burnham, Shirley Field Ridley, and Janet Jagan.
And these are but a few. There are so many who have contributed to the development of local agriculture like the major rice farmers, those who helped develop the construction industry and of course the people who pay special attention to the less fortunate and these are numerous.
Many of these are unsung heroes whose only recognition comes from those with whom they interact. Of course when these people die the tributes are as glowing as anything but they come too late when they mean nothing to the person and more to the relatives who are left behind.
On Sunday a group of people led by two women decided to recognize the contributions of a woman in the local theatre. Daphne Rogers may not be a household name but she touched the lives of many who not only graced the stage but some who imparted knowledge to children in the various schools.
The occasion was a function dubbed an appreciation to Daphne Rogers. Many recalled her contributions in the many fields in which she was involved and they made tangible contributions to her welfare now that she is in the twilight of her life.
There were contributions by those who had migrated but who still have their roots buried in Guyana. The fact that we have grown so accustomed to showering accolades to people when they die did not escape notice. The people overseas, when approached to contribute to the welfare of Daphne Rogers, immediately enquired when she had died.
Guyana, in the months following the attainment of Republican status, developed a scheme to recognize all those who contribute to national life. The forum was the national awards. It was a significant way to tell people that their contributions were appreciated.
Each year scores were honoured and the award spurred them to even greater efforts. In the early days some people had to be recognized post humously because the national awards came after these people had passed to the Great Beyond.
Today there are no more national awards for one reason or the other. The nation has adopted a policy of taking these people for granted and the people in turn, have opted to accept their lot. One newspaper has in its own way, set out to recognize the contributions of some of these people by recognizing them as special persons. The feedback is that such recognitions go a long way because people feel good to know that someone actually acknowledges their efforts.
Some places of employment acknowledge the efforts of the workers either annually, quarterly or monthly. One hotel actually posts up a photograph and an accolade of the best worker in that month. The Guyana Police Force falls into this category and the hierarchy of the force can testify to the continued hard work of the persons so honoured.
Saying ‘thank you’ to people who do well is not a costly exercise but the reward far outweighs any cost that may be attributed to the effort.
Before the system of national awards lapses into oblivion—and it seems to have gone that way—the government may wish to reconsider its position and to pay tribute to the various contributors during the lifetime of those persons.

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Honour people when they are alive

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