OP-ED | Peace and Goodwill for a better, unified Guyana

By Namela Henry
Today, Guyanese join with billions around the world in celebrating, which is undoubtedly the most popular religious festival; that of Christmas, or the Yuletide Season.

Although of the Christian religion, because it is about the earthly incident of birth of Jesus Christ, it is universal in scope, which appeal has transcended ethnicities and specific cultures, throughout every region of the world. There is no other time of the year that captures the imagination of mankind, which gladdens the heart by that inexplicable pervasive spirit of laughter and light heartedness, during which all the troubles of the year seemed to be forgotten. In fact, so much acknowledged is this time of the year, and what it signifies that during the first World War, for example, the firings fell silent as a result of a truce, for a period of midnight to midnight, that allowed even combatants from the two warring sides, to cross over into each other’s territory for celebrations.

No doubt, it is called the Season of Goodwill, since it is traditionally characterized by sparing a thought for the needy and the poor; the disconsolate, destitute and forgotten, wherever they may be found. It is because of this outpouring of care and concern, that love is displayed through the holding of Christmas parties and gifts distribution for children in homes, and at other places of gathering; care homes and refuge for senior citizens, inclusive of the infirm, are also shown tender love, by being feted and given gifts.
These are annual Yuletide experiences that are also common, and analogous to the Guyanese tradition of the Christmas Season. In fact, there is hardly an administrative region in which children especially, irrespective of ethnicity are not feted at this time of the year, as evidenced by the pictorials in the media, both print and electronic. This has increased over the years, with the involvement of some sections of corporate Guyana and other business and commerce types; private citizens, many from the diaspora; organisations; and even the government that has ensured that its care and concerns for the nation’s young, be also highlighted at this very special time of the year.
Of course, the bars and restaurants are filled, with old buddies and even recently made friendships, indulging in that good old Guyanese habit of taking some good shots for the Holidays. But we will admonish that such be done with great moderation, so as not to inflame behaviour that will lead to unsavoury conduct, which cannot be in keeping with the Season.

But whereas much emphasis is placed on the celebratory aspect of Christmas, with all of its attendant festivities, one must pause and perhaps deliberate on its seminal message – Peace and Goodwill towards all men.

This is indeed visionary, in terms of when it had been said, according to the Christian Bible. That it is so has been because of the conflictual experiences of mankind, with the passage of time, with peace, still very fragile, and elusive in many parts of our world.

Closer to home, as alluded to the great feeling of bonhomie that is effortless among Guyanese at this time of the year, so much characterized by euphoria in which hellos and banter are exchanged with our fellow Guyanese, many never before spoken to; one should ask, why should such not be able to be the bridgehead, for building better relations among the nation’s peoples, in a deeply polarised society? Why should it, only be Christmas, in which this spirit of apparent friendship is displayed? Why should it not be given a genuine input that will make for greater impetus for a better Guyana, in which all can dwell in love and lasting unity? And why should this not be ongoing throughout the year?

It needs not be reminded that the nation has experienced a very challenging year, in which its very resolve has been severely tested. That it has survived is because, there is still that recognition among many Guyanese that togetherness can be achieved with a better understanding of each other, that will lead to goodwill, and eventually peace. And what better time that this understanding should commence, than on the platform of the recently commenced FIRST OIL. Sure enough, its advent has brought Good tidings of Great Joy to our country and its people. Further, in a sense, it can be described as the token representation of those first great economic Christmases, that are sure to follow, inclusive of the other component parts of their relevant years. So, let peace and goodwill reign, not only for the extant Season; but from now on, for a better, peaceful, unified Guyana.
Merry Christmas

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