ONE of the most unfortunate occurrences that has accompanied the process of modernization, is the dwindling of the community spirit, which was once thriving and alive in many countries and societies in the past.
Some philosophers have described the community spirit as social capital and this, if effectively harnessed, could contribute tangibly to societal development.
Social capital is defined by Robert D. Putnam as, “the collective value of all social networks and species (who people know) and the inclinations that arise from these works to do things for each other (norms of reciprocity).”
Social capital in action can be seen in all sorts of groups, including neighbours keeping an eye on each others’ homes. However, as Putnam notes in ‘Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (2000)’, social capital has been falling in the United States. Putnam found that over the past 25 years, attendance at club meetings has fallen 58 percent, family dinners are down 33 percent, and having friends visit has fallen 45 percent.
In our country there has been a similar trend with many people looking to the government to do everything. Consequently, so many things that could be done via the community spirit are ignored.
But what is responsible for the decline in community spirit? There could be several explanations; among the most likely is the increasing movement in most societies towards individualism and a growth of selfishness brought about by a world engulfed in the pursuit of materialism and commercialism.
However, all is not lost in Guyana because there still are many organisations and individuals who are engaged in fanning the flames of the community spirit.
On this note, it was most heartening to learn that the avenue along Thomas Street in Georgetown is expected to undergo an eye-catching transformation, which should be evident over the next six months, through the initiative of a group of community-minded citizens in collaboration with the environmental organisation, ECHO, and the business community.
It will be recalled that some years ago a similar initiative was undertaken by a citizens’ group, headed by the late Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief, Mr. David DeCaires, along a section of Camp Street.
Those who engage in such laudable work should be fully supported, encouraged and given the highest commendation.
We should not be mistaken in the belief that the caring and the enhancement of the environment is exclusively the responsibility of the government. On the contrary, this responsibility is that of each and every one of us.
In this context, we should make aggressive, tireless and strenuous efforts to rekindle the community spirit nationwide, which would go a long way in helping to create stable, clean and healthy communities.
One of the effective means of rekindling the community spirit is by working among the schools because if we could succeed in imbuing and inculcating this laudable attitude in our children, we would have made an excellent achievement.
We should also strive to revive all those community centres which have become dormant, and even build new ones in communities where they are absent, because in the past these facilities did a wonderful job in building community spirit and bringing people together, particularly in the sugar industry communities. Those who grew up and lived in these communities could attest to this fact.