THEIR CONSISTENT CONTRIBUTIONS to this society have become something we all expect, whether in good times or bad – even though their efforts may never truly be understood or appreciated. All Barbadians can identify with at least one non-governmental organization (NGO) on this island and the sterling work it does in helping the less fortunate.
As the Yuletide season draws to a close, the efforts of many such groups which helped to spread the spirit of joy and goodwill should not be overlooked or undervalued. Even if we accept some of what happens as being part of an annual ritual, it nonetheless evidences certain good human traits: concern for those in need, ensuring they are not forgotten and neglected – even if only at this time of the year.
But for some NGOs, this is not a once a year spectacle merely to put them in the public spotlight. The Salvation Army, the Barbados Red Cross Society, the Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis clubs must all be lauded for their year-round efforts to help deal with the basic needs of their fellow man.
It would not be unreasonable to anticipate that the role and work of the NGO’s will become more demanding this year, given the hardships many households will encounter during a tough economic stabilization period. Some people will be reduced to leaning on what is offered by the YWCA and other bodies that focus on feeding the less fortunate. These organizations will in turn need to depend increasingly on the private sector and kind-hearted individuals to sustain their efforts if these are to accomplish their goals.
Although this country cannot be reduced to a mendicant society in which every hand is outstretched expecting “manna from heaven”, the reality is that many are in need.
This we know, judging from the numbers who turned out for the Salvation Army’s Christmas hamper and feeding programme, from the lines of people in The City every evening waiting for a meal and from the work done by many organizations islandwide. Even for many people filled with a proper pride this is their last hope.
There are ways, sometimes seemingly insignificant, by which we can all contribute to reaching out and helping these service clubs, churches and schools so that they can better look after those in need.
The objective must be for a society in which care and consideration for each other is part of our value system.
We need to show empathy as we help maintain hope and dreams, while living selflessly and without arrogance, and appreciating the joy in giving – all in pursuit of a better community.
