The rains are coming

Nov 08, 2019 Editorial

It came long and hard from above. That alone was sufficient to return the fears of flooding and the creeping waters. Into shoes and shops and some neighbourhoods, as well as the sacred home, however humble it may be.
But, unlike the countless other times before, this rainfall-a torrential blast without a doubt -and the resulting waters were forced to beat a recognisable retreat. It was not the most rapid of withdrawals, or from every soaked place, but it represented something on the positive side.
It is a welcomed start bringing welcomed relief that hopefully offers an indication of what the future brings in increasing increments of improvements. This publication commends the mayor and his team for putting their shoulders against the unmoving and getting somewhere.
When the Mayor and City Council get somewhere-anywhere better than before–then all of us are a little better for it. We are appreciative, as we are guarded.
We are guarded because there is recognition for what the mayoralty, any such that seeks higher ground, is resisted from within, and undermined without letup at every turn and from many sources. It is not a good place to be, or the best of comrades to work with, to deliver relief for the stricken and ignored ratepayer and resident.
Nevertheless, despite our guarded state, there is understanding that good intentions and the accompanying will are present. It must be admitted that it is on the low side in some quarters, all too ready to throw up hands in the air and call it a day; to give in to the internal and external forces arrayed against in determined stubbornness.
Over the years, there has been much talk about pumps and drainage. Yet when the waters flooded, the questions mingled with the cries: where were they? What happened to them? Why were they not operating and delivering? And especially when they are most needed?
This would be when our businesses and, worse yet, our sleeping quarters and eating quarters and living quarters are underwater.
From the reports, the pumps and drainage efforts did yield some results on Monday, though not in every place that saw the dreaded water level, and not as quickly as some desired sometimes. But work they did, and some of the usual lakes were not as long lived.
The tide could have been favourable, and it ought not to be discounted. But, from all encouraging observations, it was not in as many places, and not for as long a time.
The capital city deserves a little stroke of luck, as its residents will be grateful for whatever they get. This is beneficial to mayor and management personnel devoted to change. Now being human, watchful, and hopeful, residents will want more. Residents, businesses, passersby, and all others will ask for and expect, more. They will go so far as to demand more.
It is just the nature of the beast that must be fed, and must be tamed and patted on the head.
Those are among the uphill challenges facing His Lordship, Mayor Ubraj, and those who envision a different standard in Georgetown, who wish to do their best to return it to some resemblance to the Garden City that it once was.
The atmosphere and appearance of the city are but two demands placed on the already weighted shoulders of the mayor. There are so many others, including collecting monies rightfully due, but which are not forthcoming; monies that would go a long way to make things a little better, like clearing of drains and maintaining the pumps and keeping the waters down, if not out.
Christmas comes, and with that long season, which is in its early toddler stage for 2019, comes many expectations: of cleanliness, of less smelliness, of a marketplace that is healthy and safe, of streets that present the best smiling face of Guyana for all the world to see and share.

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