Weather boy, weather

Dec 28, 2008 Features / Columnists

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The Parrot, like many others, woke up to persistent rains on Christmas morning. The rains continued well into the afternoon. I didn’t want to get up; Mrs. Parrot was responsible for that. She said it wasn’t the right weather to get up. While that can be taken two ways, I knew what she meant.
The weather provided the right ambience to remain in the matrimonial bedroom a little longer than usual. Well that’s relative to endurance. Having looked through the window and saw grey clouds as far as my eyes could, I conceded to the request of my better half; the traditional Christmas breakfast would be delayed.
Just as we were about to plug in the fairy lights (what were you thinking? We don’t leave them on during the nights), our offsprings flew into the room. So much for that.
They were as excited as any set of children could have been; eager to know what Santa would have stuck in their stockings overnight.
Yes, they do believe in his existence; don’t dare tell them he doesn’t. Their excitement curbed our intention as we savour those moments as a family on Christmas morning. For me, there is no other feeling of joy that can match that. It makes one feel a great sense of belonging and a sense of accomplishment as parents.
Of course, seeing their joy and my own, my thoughts focused on those who, for whatever reason, may not be in position to benefit from such.
There are many reasons for some not being able to enjoy the happiness associated with Christmas; illness; death of a loved one; loss of a job; being homeless, etc.
These are universal reasons, for there are millions who, unfortunately, are in these categories.
Having thought about that, I made a silent prayer under the sounds of excitement of Mrs. Parrot and the children; a prayer for being grateful for not being in those unfortunate categories; a prayer for being able to possess the greatest of wealth—my family. The moments at the breakfast table and those later in the day, were priceless.
Sometimes we take for granted what we have. Sometimes we are unable to see what we have.
What we have only becomes visible after having looked at those who we eventually would categorise as being less fortunate; in some instances it has nothing to do with financial empowerment.
Homelessness and poverty are universal, present even in the developed countries; so now are weather related adversities.
Whilst the build up of water as a result of the heavy rainfall we have experienced over the last few weeks affected many homes, the spirit of Christmas was evident in them.
During my travel on Christmas day, I was able to associate with the discomfort and inconvenience that were evident in the water around some houses; mine too, but to a lesser extent.
The weather has been harsh, not only here but across the world. Looking at images from various countries, especially the United States, I realise that despite our discomfort here, we are better off here with regards to consequences of the weather. The winter storms that have lashed many parts of the US cause billions in damage.
Thousands were without electricity for days (some still are); thousands trapped in airport terminals and homes due to heavy snow; thousands, if not millions, affected by the bitter cold winter. In other countries, floods have covered houses causing thousands to flee to higher grounds.
These unfortunate events and depressing images are warning signs that planet earth is changing as a result of climate change. Rich countries with their vast resources can do little to insulate their populace from such effects.
Developing countries like ours can only do so much given the far less resources available. Other than resources, there are factors that Guyanese must take into consideration; the entire coast is below sea level and that the drainage system can only handle some two inches of rainfall in a twenty-four hour period. Rainfall above that will result in accumulation of water, some areas more than others. Rainfall in this month so far has been in excess of an average of five inches per day.
This obviously will put tremendous strain on the drainage system and the conservancy dams. This is beyond our control. While many here are being inconvenienced as a result, I would urge that time is taken, despite apprehension, to look at the international newscasts to see how much worse it is in other countries.
This is not an intention to justify our situation, but to present a global scenario on the effects of climate change. This I am sure would allow for a better understanding, despite our circumstances, of what we are faced with.
Hopefully, it should move us to offer prayers, not at the expense of others, but in recognition of how better off we are.
The Christmas spirit will continue to live in all of us despite the adversities. Guyanese are a resilient people, an example set by Uncle Bharrat who braved the rains on Christmas day to provide some comfort to those affected. Together we can build on this.
The weather is not in our control; what we can control is how we deal with it in an effort to make the best of an unfortunate situation.
As a young Parrot, I used to hear the adults telling each other whenever it rained heavily, “weather boy, weather”.
Never understood then what it meant. Mornings like Christmas gone, have taught me what they really meant. Sometimes the weather can provide some comfort. Squawk! Squawk!

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