Letter of the Day | Hope in times of despair
Published:Monday | January 6, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
As we move into a general election year, it’s impossible not to reflect on its co-relationship with the recent Christmas season. For many foreign visitors, the holiday was a joyous time filled with family celebrations and the nostalgia of home visits. However, the festivities were tinged with melancholy, underscoring the gap between our aspirations and realities.
One of the most profound triggers of my melancholy is the dismal state of our road infrastructure. Contrary to official narratives that attribute the deterioration primarily to Hurricane Beryl, the root causes lie in systemic issues: poor planning, lack of adequate oversight, and substandard construction practices. Barbican Square and Barbican Road, notably, stand out as a national disgrace. Despite being reconstructed just five years ago, the road is riddled with potholes and an eroding asphalt surface.
Compounding these issues are the poorly executed repairs following the installation of sewage and fibre-optic lines, not to mention the damage done by heavy trucks delivering construction material. Night-time driving is perilous, and inadequate street lighting and poorly marked roadways heighten the risk of accidents.
Beyond infrastructure, my discontent grew with the long lines and waiting, especially at commercial banks, and the chronic delays at health facilities, which highlighted the deficiencies in our management systems. Failing customer service, continuous staff shortages, and inadequate physical facilities deepened the despair.
Yet amid this backdrop of despair, one emblematic symbol of hope emerged during the holiday season – the Water Lane Mural. For example, despite the ongoing socio-economic struggles, our healthcare workers demonstrate unwavering dedication, tirelessly serving the community with limited resources.
People celebrate and find joy in life’s little moments, whether through long lines at financial institutions — signifying a deep-rooted value of saving — or through sheer patience and tolerance in the face of adversity. Advocacy voices are growing bolder, and the natural beauty of our “land of wood and water” persists against the odds. Even our diaspora remains steadfast, investing in properties and philanthropic initiatives despite the persistent crime threats and bureaucratic barriers.
As we prepare for the general election this year, we must disallow the minority political partisan fandom to determine our political future. Using voices, pens, and ink, non-committed voters can (i) reshape the political narratives to address the systemic issues contributing to our struggles, and (ii) determine the future political direction of this country.
FR DONALD CHAMBERS