THERE seems to be a popularity contest tied to the “persons” epidemic which is prevalent in the Guyanese society today.  Most young Guyanese do not know when to use the word “people” (maybe this stems from lack of knowledge) while the older Guyanese and the more prominent – some vociferous – ones have suddenly been stricken with the phobia that the use of the word “people,” when they refer to more than one person, will relegate the people to whom they refer to a mass of faceless humans which will seem callous/uncaring/unfeeling/indifferent/harsh (whichever is their perceived belief) thus harming their assumed public image and ultimately reducing the presumed popularity of the speaker. It is a groundless phobia.

It is appalling to note that these “persons” people – whether they refer to two people, one hundred people, one thousand people or millions of people – consistently use the word “persons.”  For example: “Persons eligible for registration…” appears no less than four times in the advertisement.  Then from one reporter on the Enmore Martyrs’ Day rally, “The crowd had grown to six hundred persons.”  Another example: “Persons desirous of giving blood…” then another news item “Large percentage of persons who want corporal punishment in school.” “The GDF is currently recruiting all interested persons…” “Persons trained in injection safety.” “Trafficking in persons” “Business persons” “Public spirited persons” are just a few examples of the “persons” epidemic which prevails in Guyana.  It is futile to attempt to individualise many people simply by referring to them as “persons”.

Simply by saying “Persons with disabilities…” or “Persons with sickle cell…” will not convey the impression of kindly concern nor will it boost the popularity of the speaker.  Likewise, saying “People with disabilities…” or “People with sickle cell…” will not convey the impression of callous indifference nor will it diminish the popularity of the speaker.  Using the word “people” as a collective noun to refer to more than one person is simply upholding the standard of the English language.

We have always been taught One person, many people.  Period.  I now have a vast appreciation for the authors of The People’s National Congress, The People’s Progressive Party, The Working People’s Alliance and ultimately an infinite respect for the wisdom and knowledge of the creator and author of our National Motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.