National Awards programme serves a timely purpose

Dear Editor,
For many people, “time is tight.” A natural interpretation could reflect that there is not enough time remaining for us to do what we would like to do, and the precious seconds are running out as the clock ticks slowly but surely.
Even Old Man Time is recorded when the stopwatch does not tick. The American R&B pop group composed the award-winning instrumental tune back in 1968 as the soundtrack for the movie “Uptight.” “Time is Tight” made it to the Top Ten pop chart.
In the interest of time, popular “Guyana Dialogue” moderator and philanthropist Dr Tara Singh, a political and social commentator and analyst (formerly UG senior lecturer in the Sociology Dept.), pertinently reminded us of President Ali’s promise to activate the “Orders of Guyana” in his recent published article in the newspapers.
As “Time Goes By,” many patriotic Guyanese continue to pour their hearts and souls selflessly into this country for the development and betterment of the people and society. Many do so objectively and subjectively.
Quite appropriately, Dr. Tara Singh’s call for activation of the National Awards programme bears fruition, and his sentiments are being echoed in many quarters and endorsed in numerous conversations. His views are quite timely, especially since the Government did not reinstate this programme after it was sworn into office in 2020, after the “Mother of all Elections” was contested. Next year, the PPP/C’s five-year term will be up, and another election is brewing. Dr. Singh’s valid opinion is creating a stir and excited anticipation for qualified consideration.
If and when such a time arises, and a list is prepared for inclusivity (exclusivity?), will it be extensive, exclusive, or comprehensive? Would it involve an exhaustive or abridged process? Who would be the examiners, and who would head such a committee? What contingencies would be appropriated to satisfy the conditions? Would a time frame come into play? Would Guyanese ever be satisfied with the methodology? Would the critics have a field day?
The voice of favouritism would surely secure a Grammy award. But time is the healer of all pains. While history has favoured certain elite optimism, it is the opportune moment to salvage any deficiency and pursue recourse in holistic consideration. Ideally, the awardees should represent the diversity in today’s multi-cultural society, reflecting the vast spectrum of significant impetus at home and abroad, being Guyanese and non-Guyanese.

Guyana has always been an agricultural production nation, and the sugar, rice, mining and timber industries have always been the backbone of Guyana’s economy. It is only fitting that this sector should not be overlooked, especially since its contribution would avoid any Dutch Disease Syndrome.
The National Awards programme does not have to be a time-consuming exercise. Dr Tara Singh’s five-point suggestions are commendable and are worthy of mentioning as a guideline to incorporate as possible criteria. At least 4 of the categories should substantiate the formation for the choices, and there should be one other to bolster those choices as a support in lieu.

The National Awards programme serves many purposes. One of its objectives is to instil in Guyanese the interest to serve Guyana diligently, patriotically and sincerely. Its influence would be productive for a progressive nation, and would influence and encourage the young generation to follow esteemed footsteps and become recognized for their efforts.
While time is also measured as money, time is of the essence of what you can do for the country, and not what the country can do for you. The Government needs to act now, because, for many, “time is tight.”

Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall