Helping the poor should be a personal choice

Jul 04, 2013 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
In answer to the question about wealthy people having a moral obligation to help the poor, I would suggest that it is not so much a “moral obligation’’ as a sense of kindness or compassion – a personal choice.
The concept of a ‘Giving Pledge’ is idealistic, optimistic, commendable and noble but I think, in the long run, it encourages a culture of dependency.
“What is the extent of our duty to the poor?” I think a duty to the poor should be the purview of the Government of the country and should not be the responsibility or ‘moral obligation’ of citizens.
When one sees the opulent lifestyle of leaders of some of the countries that are forever pleading poverty and seeking international help, one is bound to wonder and ask oneself “Will my contribution end up with the (poor) people it is intended to help, or will it go towards another limousine for a Mr. or Mrs. Big”?
To start a ‘Giving Pledge’ operation in Guyana (or any country for that matter), one must have the local machinery in place. A suitable, trustworthy administration for such an outfit must be created, which in itself may call for heavy expenditure.
Since children are the most vulnerable in the community, one idea may be for those who can afford it to establish food centres and clothing cupboards where children could be given a daily midday meal or items of clothing when needed. However, it should always be borne in mind that “The best laid schemes of Mice and Men often go awry………………..”
Good to see that the ‘well-off’ are thinking of helping the poor generally.
Geralda Dennison

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