Stories of contemporary human tragedies affecting the lives of Guyanese

Apr 12, 2014 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
Although this article was written on the day of April 8th, 2014, when the stories commented on below were published, I would like to piggyback on the missive of Dr (Ms.) Janice Imhoff which addressed one of the subjects.
These stories selected should not fail to evoke strong feelings of deep human emotions. The stories begin with the front page lead picture. It shows a bewildered-looking 21 year-old woman respectfully being escorted by non uniform ranks, presumably of the Guyana Police Force.
The neat and tidy appearance of the young lady will usually be misconstrued in relation to someone with severe mental, emotional, social and very likely economic challenges. The deportment of this woman could easily see this condition go undetected, or much worse undiagnosed, when compared with the more prevalent extreme anti-social types seen around the city and to a lesser extent around other urban centres.
The universal occurrence of infanticide has defied a conclusive theory of the reasons of such extreme behaviour.  We have a verbal explanation of the expressed reason for the young lady’s alleged action. What is yet to be revealed is the latent intent that resided in the mind of and the mental state of the young woman. The major question is, do we have the institutions to probe the motives of and to treat the underlying behaviour of such persons. By institutions, I speak of the facility of in-depth and intense psychiatric assessments and behavioural modification programmes.
This story is akin to a similar one on Page 23. In this case an enraged mother reportedly attempted to use a bucket of water to take the life of her child.
These two cases must stir even the coldest heart to be moved with empathy for the accused persons and moreover full sympathy with members of their families over the loss of innocent lives and the ongoing trauma of impending judicial intervention. The possibility of Post Partum Depression has been posited as a motivating factor in this second case, but it does not seem a fit for Hofasawa Awena Rutherford.
Page 20 carries a short story but bears a touching commentary on the way senior citizens are treated. What is so difficult for the authorities in the postal system to ensure by basic forward planning to have the required monies in place to pay the pensioners? I leave the ramifications of this question to the social consciousness of those in authority. The apology provided was timely, but better can still be done.
Another assault on basic human decency, in this the 21st century, occurred in our neighbouring Caricom country of Trinidad and Tobago. Where else in this world would we have a hospital commissioned to the treatment of and the preservation of human life refusing to triage a casualty at its doors.
These observations are not intended to express economic or political commentary by this writer. I do hope however, that those holding offices with responsibilities for these matters feel humanly and decently moved to give priority to these tragic issues touching the lives of our citizens.
On the subject of hospitals, a keen eye would have observed on page 14 that a prisoner hospitalised as a patient in the main hospital of Guyana was shackled in uncovered leg irons around bare feet. This is nothing less than unfair and extreme punishment. Does it not remind us of a bygone era?  At least, the leg irons should be padded, probably with leather around the area that goes around the feet.  This is a medical matter, as it is one for the security services.
This brings me to page 21 a header states, “ Minor crimes cause major deportation for Caribbean nationals” The official is quoted as stating “In truth this administration, more than any other, has devastated immigrant communities across the country tearing families away from loved ones, simply because they drove without a licence…….”.
This story has strong resonance with that of the one on Page 18 of the same issue. “Cocaine in Pastries”.  These pastries were allegedly destined for the United States of America.  If we should presume that the American officials were acting in good faith, as true professionals, we would be constrained to protest their actions when we see such brazen attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into their country, which are destructive to the health of its citizens.
The most touching of the stories which almost moved me to tears was the one on page 5, “Spaying of a female dog.”  An observant and kind-hearted member of our society witnessed the ‘humane treatment’ being extended to a female dog by a security guard, pupils and teachers of Smith Congregational School. This story barks vociferously to demonstrate that human kindness still lives in the hearts of many Guyanese.  This is a great teaching lesson to our young people who should be encouraged to think of and treat other human beings the way the children of Smith’s treat ‘Brown Girl’.
Byron W. Henry
Toronto, Ontario

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