A montage of wounds is on display in Guyana. But the kaleidoscope of red and pink gases does not seem to have persuaded most of us to change or demand a better society. Instead, we watch our bodies bleed, often pretending that we have healed. We love keeping up appearances here; pretend that injustice and immorality are something beneath the surface and only explode from time to time.
And yet we hear firearms that kill people. We see women scared and screaming in the street, robbed and bleeding while men’s hands are red with blood as they help start a lasting trauma. These events are as close as posts on social media, next door and at our doors; they are found in the golden glow of sunshine, in the quiet and cold of dusk and in the dark of night.
These wounds are the wounds of the thieves with cuttings raised to kill and murder. Bike raiders move in decks. Men masked on motorcycles speed from crime scenes. We close our car windows and grab our purses and luggage as they approach. Some young men / boys who are still in school cause people to slip under the shadow of madness that has lived in their souls. They are the victims of a failed society. Our acceptance of this uneasiness and fear is a wound.
These wounds are taxi drivers who kidnap and blast bullets to their heads. Many who seek an honest living are victims of the wounded who continue to cause the wounds because of the pain of their wounds. Relatives are left in pain and children mourn before they are mature enough to understand the impact of pain.
The wounds are the incapacitated bodies of young men in fields whose names are Henrys and Singhs and many other combinations of the alphabet. He watches their mothers fall under the pressure of sadness, weeping, questioning and claiming that those who murdered their children are still walking freely and that bribes have been paid instead of justice while those who are accused shouting for their innocence.
These wounds are about the women murdered by the hands of their spouses; spouses who sometimes prostrate in the mouth or hang from trees. I overheard one man say that women deserve to be beaten because men have to be respected. I’ve seen too many cowards, both men and women, trying to justify gender-based violence. I feel like I’m not going to look at them or cringe any more because my wound is that injury which is perhaps now feeling numb. Like many others, I have become familiar with these open wound wounds and have decided that some cannot be saved.
These wounds are children who are physically and sexually abused. This pandemic has exacerbated the suffering of many children. Pedophilia often goes unchecked in this nation. Raptors are being released on bail and some rape again. Degenerates protect degenerates. Distressed open wounds often blame our children for their demise at the hands of adults. Monsters are some of the parents who sacrifice and hurt their children. These wounds are the cold flesh of children who were too young to fully understand the complexities of life but who collapsed under the weight of their own hands.
These wounds are parents addressing their frustrations in this pandemic. Adapt to teacher and student roles because they also learn so much about the patience and invaluable contributions of our teachers to society.
The wounds are about how teachers have also not fully adapted to the new norm. From the voice notes revealed we have heard the frustrations, such as teachers cursing students, and parents begging for fewer lessons because they are overwhelmed. And the children who haven’t seen much sentence or mathematical problems in almost a year – their wounds can lead to other wounds. We see the wounds of poverty leading to violence and the wounds of imprisonment. Self-determination and intervention that will save a lot.
These wounds are about how a painting can make rounds on social media and inspire debates about who is valued and not in this country. They are reminders of how we have hurt each other and continue to hurt; about how we try to justify Guyanese oppression and persecution – some think it’s a joke to laugh and ridicule the pain of others. When karma heavy knees land on their necks, who wears their wounds?
These wounds are the fresh cuts we see on those for whom efforts have been made to empower; like those who have been fired without just cause. Whether due to college closures or unannounced redundancy letters, there are many wounded families on the breadline. Panic in a pandemic hardens the hearts of those who will never forget or forgive.
These wounds are promises that higher wages will still be fulfilled. There are questions about oil contracts, environmental concerns and money. Has the average man’s life improved since production began? Can the common man catch a glimpse of a nation similar to Dubai? Twenty-five thousand COVID reliefs; is that all we are worth? And even that many have been denied. More wounds. There are many allegations of corruption concerning the distribution of the COVID grant. The walking teams pass the houses of Guyanese citizens who are at home or do not make their way down some streets. Some say that only the owners of the property can be accepted while a large portion of the population pays rent. Other reports that no such questions were asked about home ownership and the number of famous pink forms that have been filled.
There are wounds surrounding the closure of sugar estates. We see thousands on the bread line at different times. Sugar workers have not been spared. Many have been rehoused and convinced that sugar will soon become profitable again when we produce for more than we can sell for. Delusions? Deliberate fraud? Do we expect a miracle? Or years from now will people think it was just a myth?
These wounds are self-inflicted. It wasn’t just the restless ones who gave in to the despair and decided it was time to go, but we are all wounded. There is the majesty of the nation that I could have deferred to and denied. Not just a nation where the distribution of wealth is closer to fair, but one where the corrupt will be labeled corrupt, where collectively we will not excuse evil and justification, and where our sovereignty will all protect and ready to stand together against anyone. who is threatening it.
Our wounds are rooted in those we choose to attack, reduce and lie with us for periods of five years. Foolishly they are often judged by what they say and not by their actions. We have great respect for them even though their leadership is poor, and they do little to heal our wounds.