IT would be remiss of me to bottle up my delight at how, within the past week, both print and electronic media have suddenly zoomed in on the critical services Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc., in collaboration with the Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation of Kansas, Missouri, has been making accessible to the poor of our country. The media in our country, and the world at large, play a critical role in disseminating information, highlighting realities as they unfold on a daily basis, and shaping the image of cultures, communities, and by extension, a nation. It creates, in some instances, indelible impressions on the minds of people. Unfortunately, media operatives do not always pursue the profession in earnest. Objective, investigative journalism seems to have given way to mere impetuous news reporting. And for this, the media has come under severe criticism.
Here in Guyana, it appears that only ‘sensational’ events command media attention; or in other instances, political posturing is the main object of the camera and the pen.
It is refreshing, however, to read the dailies and view newscasts and find coverage of the unparalleled work of Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc in collaboration with the partners, and how people’s lives are transformed from a state of hopelessness and abject lack, to one of possibilities and fulfillment. For this charitable organisation to have provided well in excess of 1,000 houses with complimentary sanitation, water and educational facilities, and established communities in Mabaruma, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Onderneeming/Sand Pit, Siriki/New Haven and Mainstay/Whyaka, within the last six years must be considered an act representative of the benevolence of God. This is sensational news, and it is a relief that the media has treated it as thus.
The media, in providing coverage, is helping the citizenry to appreciate the desolate conditions under which many fellow Guyanese live, thereby stirring the hearts and hands of those who can and are willing to demonstrate care and benevolence. It also helps those in need to become aware of, and access the services of Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc.
One can only hope that this is the beginning of a long, unwavering participation of the media in this noble endeavour to alleviate, and ultimately, eradicate poverty in our country.
Hurray to the media!