These things have been around for donkey years but…

Jan 21, 2016 Letters

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Dear Editor,
I refer to Pastor WP Jeffrey’s letter, “Urgent need for parenting classes”, (KN, Jan 9). In his letter he floats the idea that there is a need to institute an ex-offender’s rehabilitation center. He even offers his expertise, but officials are giving him a cold shoulder. His idea has merits in terms of preventing recidivism. Stifling the Pastor’s inputs only undermine our society. It is a well-known fact that officials have a habit of shutting out ideas, only to turn around and use them later. Officials need to drop their ego. Pastor Jeffrey’s letter invokes parallel narratives, including that of a certain Dr Ann Baliram whose letter is contained herein.
Like Pastor Jeffery, Dr Baliram expressed frustration that her contributions to the Ministry of Social Protection were rebuffed in the face of dire needs. Subsequently, she penned a letter to the Stabroek News discussing the impact of parenting on moral behaviors (SN, Dec 29, 2012), captioned “Guyanese Society is Experiencing Moral Decay”. In spite of the fact she had demonstrated that good parenting is essential in thwarting dysfunction, it fell on deaf ears. Some three years later, the Child Protection Agency (CPA) is only now showing interest into this kind of thinking. This draws praise and applause from those who do not know that such a move by the CPA is way behind times. Such insights have been around for donkey years and Dr Baliram has also discussed this in her letter some three years ago. Isn’t this a case of Johnny-come-lately? The CPA should have been on top of all this. These are testaments to the fact that officials lack knowledge and shut out much needed help. Officials need to realize that our contributions are inspired by the length and breadth of sufferings. Editor, given the importance of Dr Baliram’s letter it is inserted here:

“Dear Editor:  It is sad and of serious concern that the Guyanese society is experiencing moral decay. The behavior displayed by many Guyanese has drifted far from the norm and is skewed towards severe dysfunction. For example, many Guyanese are not hesitant to show a lack of consideration for each other, thus resulting in abuse, be it domestic or child abuse or any other form. A main factor causing this behavioral dysfunction is a lack of education. As a nation, we place low emphasis on educating our citizens regarding social interaction and our psychological well-being, thus resulting in moral decay.  Certainly, the individual and society will experience detrimental consequences when there is a high rate of dysfunction. Where the individual is concerned, dysfunction causes stress, emotional abuse, substance abuse, suicide, mental health issues and a lower life expectancy. At the level of society as a whole, dysfunction causes it to decay, impairs economic growth and prosperity, and burdens social resources. In essence, dysfunction is a recipe for failure and hinders a progressive society. As a culture, we need to immediately educate our citizens during early childhood. Early childhood is a critical period of development during which time the superego develops. The superego controls moral behavior and is molded early in life. Therefore, education begins from the home and as well as from the community. Good parenting and positive community involvement will eliminate dysfunction in the Guyanese society”.
Like Dr Baliram, I too am convinced of the powers of education. Education can disrupt dysfunction and derail the five decades of failure in our country. Educating parents alone will not cut it. To this end, Guyana needs to champion an aggressive stance educating all. A liberal arts education is lacking in our educational system and this largely part play into the moral decay in our country. The Minister of Education needs to alter its high school curriculum to include at least Introduction to Psychology and Ethics, as requirements. Tertiary institutions need to also provide a well-rounded education consisting of liberal Arts courses including: Introductory Psychology, Social Psychology, Cross Cultural Psychology, Brain and Behavior, Sociology, Developmental Psychology, Philosophy and Ethics.
Moreover, it should be mandatory that employees be trained in some or all of these courses. Society at large needs to be educated since it takes more than just the parent to raise a child as Hilary Clinton wrote it takes a village. The Ministry of education needs to facilitate higher retention and send more of its students to the University of Guyana. There are all doable. These remedies are highlighted not to impress anyone, but to show what is needed and are lacking. It is our moral obligation as citizens to be vociferous on issues affecting us no matter which Government is in power. Guyana is a sinking ship and every Guyanese is needed to crew it to safety, not only those here at home, but all.
 Ronald Dixit

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