Opportunity in the crisis 

Dear Editor,

In Guyana, the nation is caught in a web with post elections results fiasco since it was held on March 2nd triggered by the touted occurance of fraud in the electoral process or because both major parties want to be in power. Faced with this situation of political quagmire the population is kept in suspense to know who their legally elected leader is.

Then came Covid-19 to make things worse with deaths, followed by curfews etc, which the Guyanese people have to put up with. These situations affect the Guyanese psyche particularly the divided politics that plagued the nation since independence. The people do not deserve this from our leaders.

With the impact of COVID-19 and its quarantine measures to keep people at home to control the spread of the virus, many are bored despite the good coming out of it such as the planting of gardens, praying etc.

There is also the issue of big families cramped up in small apartments or houses, making it impossible for social distancing, and the increased likelihood of the evil practice of domestic violence and child abuse occurring in our homes during this time. To make matters worse, due to the shutdown of most workplaces, people are out of jobs and there is no money to buy food for families. Many go starving without meals. Luckily, there are those generous persons rendering assistance to those in desperate need of food etc.

In such time of despair people usually turn to Church and the creator for comfort. But these days church buildings are closed to contain the spread of the virus. This made pastors switch to use the internet (those who are fortunate) to celebrate Masses or worship services with the faithful. A great initiative of virtual evangelization of the faithful locally and abroad.

However, more could be done besides the livestreaming of Masses, and prayers. For example bible study or bible sharing by Zoom with a group of lay persons and their priests or pastors. Same could be done for those who don’t have internet access to engage in bible study as a family and pray for Guyana during this time of quarantine and political crises.

I am fortunate at Ignatius House (Chicago) to have the opportunity to attend daily and Sunday Masses. However I think an opportunity is being missed to find creative ways to teach and preach the Gospel message. While it is good to live stream Masses it is important to find creative ways to teach the faith. Probably support groups could be formed; to explore the deeper meaning of our Catholic faith. Additionally, an environment can be created where persons can examine their faith journey in connection to COVID and the other impasse. How can I see the image and presence of God in other persons who hold differing views from mine.

Additionally during this lockdown, it is important to contemplate and empathise with those: in confinement sometimes for crimes they didn’t even commit, for the imprisoned refugees, the visually impaired, the physically disabled, the animals locked in zoos denied of their freedom in their habitats. Those shut-ins, those patients who are quarantined or isolated, those that suffer from domestic abuse, those stranded and unable to return home because the closure of borders and those materially poor without food for the good Lord to send generous people to assist.

Finally, Guyanese should contemplate on the negativities that divide us triggered by race-based politics, and think about inclusiveness to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic. We can do this hoping that a post Coronavirus unity will prevail. We must think about working together towards nation building for ALL, because presently the nation´s soul is shattered a result of the pandemic and political crises. We need to seek God in this situation.

Marlon