Aren’t we our brother’s keepers anymore?

IN the February 21 edition of the Stabroek News, I read with great sadness about a robbery on Sunil and Tina Ramesh across the way from GT&T on Church St. The article stated that Mr. Ramesh was shot twice: in the stomach and abdomen. What I found sad about this article is that when Mrs. Ramesh saw her husband was wounded, she screamed out for help but no one came to their aid; and that shortly thereafter, two women came to help, but neither could drive, so her twice-shot husband had to drive himself to the hospital.
Several years ago, I went to a bank near Fogarty’s to withdraw some money. I noticed a security guard kept looking in my direction; I felt uneasy, so I left the bank and drove to a store near GT&T and threw part of the money (in a purse) in the trunk and went into the store.
When I came out, two men came up and told me some men had picked the lock of my trunk and took out my purse and drove off. I asked why they didn’t raise an alarm; they said they were frightened, because the men looked armed.
Three years ago, I bought a 12-year-old car to use as an animal rescue vehicle; small enough to get around quickly in our busy city. I never thought I would use it as an ambulance for the elderly, but within the past four years, I have picked up several seniors in need of help.
Last month, I was approaching the corner of Camp Street and Brickdam when I saw a man, face down, at the side of the road, with many persons standing around throwing water at him. He appeared to be having a seizure. I asked if they needed help, and they said yes. I offloaded my dog carrier (leaving it with a vendor), and some public-spirited citizens assisted in putting the man into my vehicle. I quickly made my way to the Public Hospital where staff quickly and efficiently assisted him to emergency. I explained to the doctor what I knew, and she thanked me for being a good citizen. I told her I just thought I was doing my duty as a Guyanese.
I’m a firm believer that the more of us that get involved, the sooner we can improve the situation around us. It doesn’t take much of an effort: we can speak out against animal cruelty; speak up when we see kids pelting bricks and rocks at people of unsound mind or birds and animals; or just stop to ask if a homeless person needs help when they are sitting all alone at the side of the road. As someone said: If we are not part of the solution, we are probably part of the problem.

Syeada Manbodh

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