| By Ralph SeeramOrphans are probably the most vulnerable members in any society. Whether its wealthy capitalist societies like the United States or Third World countries like Guyana, orphans depends on the generosity of private citizens,cheap jerseys from china, organizations and to a large extent Government. Most orphans are children who have been abandoned by their parents for various reasons. Some may have been taken into State custody because of neglect or abuse by their parents.Individuals or families can become homeless for a variety of reasons. For some it might be their own undoing but generally it is more for economic reasons; sometimes it is a catastrophe such as fire or flooding. For some it’s due to mental illness and we can go on listing countless reasons why people become homeless. It really doesn’t matter how they became homeless,Michael Carrick Manchester United Jersey, once they arrive at that state they become dependent on the generosity of society.Rich societies like the United States can be very cruel towards the homeless. For instance in Orlando, Florida there are laws restricting where the homeless can beg. Some are charged for begging, all to make the city looks good to tourists. Remember Walt Disney is in Orlando. There have been several lawsuits over the right to feed the homeless in certain public areas. The politicians seem to be in denial about homelessness in a rich Capitalist society.Before moving into the Guyana situation let me share with you an incident that shows the contradiction in a rich society that the United States is.Some 20 years ago I worked in Wall Street right across from the New York Stock exchange. At the corner of Wall and Broad Streets is the Federal Hall with a statue of George Washington. The building is a very historic one going back to the founding of America. On the side of the building there is a window at street level. It is recessed about 18 inches to two feet in depth, and had a constant stream of hot air blowing out to the streets.A homeless fellow made that little area his home. He begged in the day and slept there at night with the help of a few pieces of cardboards. Now I would like you to picture this scene; here in Wall Street the symbol of capitalism and wealth of the United States is a homeless man begging for survival. In the dead of winter the hot air blowing through that window prevented him from freezing to death.One day on my way to work I saw the window boarded up so there was no space to sleep and no hot air blowing. His eighteen inches by four feet refuge was sealed. Someone decided that it was an embarrassment to Wall Street, and forced him to move. I am sure no one approached him to see if they could be of some assistance to him maybe offering him a job.My point is regardless of the society they live in those at the bottom of the social are often forgotten and neglected.So I return to what I really wanted to draw attention to in Guyana. Homeless persons, mainly senior citizens and orphans. Over the holidays the media carried stories of how various companies brought “Christmas cheer and toys to orphanage” as well as to senior citizens’ homes. For most of the companies this is a once a year exercise, as if these needy only exist at Christmas time, they are forgotten for the other 364 days of the year.Yet those very companies spend millions of dollars throughout the year promoting sports,Dustin Pedroia Red Sox Jersey, be it cricket or football, or sponsoring recording artistes at shows. While it makes good public relations for these companies, getting their names in the media with photo sessions, their civic responsibility should reach out to all sectors of the society , in all geographical areas of the country and not only Georgetown .How many photographs can these large Guyanese companies show giving help to orphanages in outlying areas the Essequibo cost and interiors, the outlying areas in Demerara outside of Georgetown, or on the Corentyne coast? I am sure they have little to show,Zach Cunningham Jersey, but I can assure you that they can produce multitudes of photographs showing their officers presenting trophies.People in the rural areas buy your beer and liquor, your telephone services, electric services, your food products and your services. They in turn deserve your assistance in helping the most vulnerable in their community. On my recent visit to Guyana I was involved in assisting an Orlando-based charity foundation deliver some much needed playroom equipments to two orphanages, one in Georgetown and one in New Amsterdam. I was shocked at how primitive the playrooms were. Infants played on either the cold concrete or bare wooden floors.Very few toddlers’ equipment such as walkers,Miguel Layun Jersey, or toys and educational equipment were there. The foundation equipped the rooms with foam, educational playmates, equipment and educational materials. I asked myself why any of the large local companies couldn’t donate these items that are readily on the local market. Why did it have to take an overseas based charity to do this?If someone can travel from the United States to Guyana and go to these orphanages to find out their need,Gerald Everett Jersey, how difficult it is for local companies to do the same?My challenge to the big business in Guyana is to seek out these homes, draw a list of senior citizens’ homes and orphanages through Guyana, seek out their need; maybe you can adopt a particular home. Let your public relations get out of his comfortable offices and visit these needy citizens to assess their needs. This includes the various Chambers of Commerce throughout Guyana. You will find it a very rewarding exercise when you see the expressions of happiness and joy on the countenance of the recipients. Remember your civic duty does not end with cricket or football.Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: [email protected] |
