– The youth who returned my wallet and confirmed my faith in the future

WHEN, on Thursday last, I lost my wallet in the streets of Georgetown, the first thing that came to mind was the need to protect my financial security and identity, which I moved to do immediately. Though disturbed about this loss, I had accepted the necessity to put it behind me and move on.

The said Thursday night, at about 9:00 ‘o’clock, my cell phone rang. On the other side of the line, a woman informed me that her son had found my wallet, and I can come and collect same. I travelled to West Ruimveldt to the Petries’ home, where I met Lawrence, his mother (the phone caller) and family, and uplifted my wallet with gratitude, which I expressed to them. For me, though ever grateful for having found my wallet, which was returned to me with everything intact, this issue goes beyond self.

The return of my wallet speaks to values, and the fact that such are still held in esteem in our society, irrespective of the circumstances and socio-economic status of persons in our midst.

The fact that 15-year-old Lawrence chose to take a lost property to his parent when other options existed, and his parent sought to get in touch with the owner when other options existed, is testimony of family values and the influence it has on him.

When we look around today, we see with consternation that the future look dark for us, given what is considered destructive behaviour on the part of some youths; but the action of the Petrie family is indicative that the family, which is the premier institution of mankind, plays an important role in moulding minds and determining behaviour.

There exists a constant urge for instant gratification among youths at a time when unemployment and the absence of economic opportunities for this demographic are high. Media and peer influence and pressure continue to be major factors in determining the conduct of many, which is often not necessarily consistent with universally acceptable behaviour.

It is a perception held by some that those who live in what are considered poor communities would engage in conduct that is likewise poor. The conduct of the Petrie family brings forcefully to the nation’s attention the myth of this perception. All is not lost with the younger generation, and stereotyping is wrong. The Petrie family’s conduct is proof positive that family values play an important role in impacting community life. It further advises leaders that, in making decisions that would impact societal welfare, they have to consider the role of the family in conceptualising and developing programmes that can impact positively on the well-being of communities.

Socio-economic status should never be an indicator to justify turning attention away from a community, or allocating inequitable resources on the pretext that it is not worth the investment. In an environment where policies and programmes seek to allow equal opportunity for all, it creates pathways of development for self and nation, and healthy competition among peers. Taking such an approach to decision-making can allow for brilliance, leadership, and integrity to be nurtured and blossomed from all quarters.

Our society must reach the stage where persons can claim pride in coming from humble beginnings, and having the benefit of equal opportunity, being allowed to rise to the top. And where opportunity in the past was given to others of like background, who today have risen to the top, they shoulder a responsibility to reach out and return similar treatment as was given to them.

When Lawrence and his peers complete their CXCs, they must have confidence that the system will not let them down, and opportunities will be available for them to blossom. In speaking of opportunities, this is not solely reliant on having passed CXC or graduated from a college or university. It is speaking to the holistic development of citizens, which is built on recognition that persons have diverse skills, interests and abilities, and the system must afford them the opportunity to thrive.

The future belongs to our youths. Lawrence’s conduct has removed any doubt that it is a future to be worried about. Where the worry lies is in whether we, who are adults and the leaders of today, are conscious that there lies a responsibility for us to prepare the necessary groundwork and structures to facilitate positive opportunities for the young.

Currently, there exists a large pool of unemployed youths. In another month, another pool will be joining this rank. Government can no longer sit back and think that unemployment will resolve itself, or that it is the responsibility of the private sector and the unemployed to address unemployment. The time has come for this nation to develop a Job Creation Plan. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) had been proposing this for a number of years, but governments continue to ignore its necessity. This nation cries out for the creation of a policy and programme that could lead to productive employment.

Reduction of unemployment is the responsibility of every government. Elected officials have to realise the responsibility is vested in them to use every opportunity to craft programmes to put people to work, and they can no longer abrogate this responsibility. Abrogation will not only create a societal situation wherein the values of the Petries are not only mocked, but persons will question the wisdom of upholding such values in an environment where integrity finds it hard to survive, much less thrive.

Lawrence presents hope for the future, and has signalled to us adults the standard by which he lives and the type of environment he prefers to live in. As leaders and adults, it is our job not to let him and others down.