POLARIZED
Written by Flemlyn A. Ragobeer
Guyana like many nations continues to grapple with the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic. A lot has been lost, a lot learned, a lot at stake. So many unknowns and fears; perhaps the very things driving the actions of many which continue to polarize our society.
Polarization is defined as division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs. This is exactly what now characterizes the Guyanese society. Those who have received the vaccine sharply opposing those who have not, to the point of memes, disparaging remarks, references to people’s intellectual ability or lack thereof and downright division which smacks in some instances of superiority.
It seems the battle lines have been drawn and the stage set for us to descend into anarchy when we all claim we want to fight the pandemic but instead are fighting each other. It does not help either to have national policies which seem not to be thought out for buy in, reach of impact, sustainability or care for all in our fight against this dreaded virus.
While you can never please everyone and there must be balance between individual rights and the public good; leaders have a responsibility to not let their good be seen as evil and to work at building consensus which facilitates public trust , a crucial element of good and effective governance. I believe there are better approaches and resources, human and other, available for use regarding the Covid-19 vaccination campaigned in Guyana.
Instead of what mirrors highhandedness rather than service; bullyism rather than brotherhood, coercion rather than consultation, fear mongering for manipulation rather than engendering motivation I ask what is the overarching plan and end game? Where are the grassroots public awareness campaigns? Where is the olive branch of understanding at the community levels? Where are the non election or other offshoots of democracy? Where are the demonstrations of deliberately reaching across the isle for the whole rather than its parts?
I submit that we are better than our current display. I submit we can find and do better. We can do this Guyana! As our brother Martin Carter said to us “all are involved, all are consumed.”
God bless you my Friends! God bless Guyana!
