Some communities have learned to live on the edge—Dr. David Hinds

I had the privilege of visiting several African Guyanese villages as part of the Cuffy250 Committee’s community outreach. During those visits we got an opportunity to talk to villagers about the state of their communities and their views on contemporary politics. We also go to see for ourselves the real state of the villages. And what we discovered was shocking, even for those of us who interfaced with those villages on a regular basis. It became clear to us that the change of government removed the lid on a lot of pent-up frustrations. The communities had mastered the art of masking their hurt and neglect.

How could people live under such conditions for so long? It is clear that some communities have learned to live on the edge—Survival. But the price is high. Although the government has changed, the scars from two decades of beating are fresh. It is difficult to get people in the villages to work together. The community spirit is on life-support. People are comfortable working in small isolated enclaves; the level of mistrust of fellow villagers is high. They almost instinctively reject collective efforts. They boast about what they do in small spaces and often are oblivious to the fact that the larger space continues to rapidly decline. Something has to be done in those communities—and fast.

More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com