Dear Editor,
Stand tall by staying at home in Guyana is the call for next Monday’s “Day of Standstill.” Stand up and be counted is the theme and the plot is to abstain (abscond) from work. Will employees call in sick, take a one-day vacation, apply for special leave, call in an emergency, or, simply not turn up for work? Will employers have to deal with any legal complications and/or implications regarding contracts and agreements while referring to any union agreement? Will employers turn a blind eye? Who will answer the call? Will it be a day of mourning? Will the day be borne in black and white and go down as historical? Will there be context and content to write about? Will it be a memorable event for freedom fighters or a memorial for potential politicians?
Given, Saturday and Sunday are regular days off, taking Monday as a day off means enjoying a four-day long weekend because the day after will be a national holiday, Emancipation Day. How nice (convenient), or, well planned and executed? There is the popular proverb, “All work and no play, makes Jack/Jill a dull boy/girl.” Is there anyone who needs to take boredom out of their life? Perhaps, there are few (many) who need time out to enjoy the sunshine and good weather, bask at the beach, play ball, go on a picnic, plan for a hang-over, sleep in (out) or simply enjoy a well spent four consecutive days of fun, frolic, pleasure and leisure as they wish.
Will Monday be “D” Day when all of Guyana will allow their conscience to prick (bother) them and take cognizance of any consequence? Or, will Monday be a marketable day for “drinks?” Will waiting for “The Day Guyana Stood Still” materialize? Perhaps it will be a ‘Day of Music” and merriment and not musing. Guyanese at home (abroad) love to find (make) excuse in order to stay home. Guyanese made it easy for Dave Martin to have the Tradewinds popularize, “It’s Tradition.” In Guyana, there is a saying, “anything for a song.”
Will Monday be a day when everyone ceases to move by staying indoors? In the 1951 black and white science fiction movie, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” one day, all electrical equipment ceases to function except for essential services such as hospitals and flights in the air. This was a peaceful demonstration of power from an alien source who was visiting earth to communicate an important message. Will motorists stay off the road and the streets remain as clean as a whistle? Who is listening and who will adhere to whom? What is the ultimate goal for Monday (if any) and is it purposeful (trustful)? Who is really behind the scene and is there a higher authority calling the shots?
Guyanese are no longer taken for a ride and there are no more free rides either. In America, they say, “nothing is free.” In Guyana, they say, “that will cost you.” The chance of being gullible and/or naïve is limited and the Guyanese society is a smart one. No one wants to do anything for free and they want to know, “what’s in it for me?” Guyanese have come from a far way and still have a long way to go. They have salvaged themselves from slavery-ship and have recouped from indenture-ship. Guyanese have negotiated their independence and have concluded with a Republican status. Guyanese have toyed with dictatorship and have enforced democracy. Guyanese have tampered with luxury and have tasted poverty. Guyanese have visioned prosperity and have clamored for peace. Guyanese have departed from the warm to arrive in the cold. Guyanese have sacrificed a bitter past to salvage a better future. Will Monday be a different day or just another day?
Is “Monday Blues” a norm or the exception in Guyana? The renowned Dr. Kaustav Sengupta, Associate Professor- NIFT, wrote,” Color association and its symbolic meaning in our lives is deeply rooted with the value (darkness) and intensity of the color. One such example is ‘Monday Blues’! A phrase, associated with the stress and inertia to join the office in the first day of work in a week….But it is fascinating to note how color like Blue, which otherwise means Kindness and Empathy (in Buddhism), Divinity and Nature (in Hindu philosophy) and has a lot of association with mysticism can also be stereotyped with stress, fear and unwillingness to work!” Will this stigma be taken advantage of and prevail as a cursory excuse or a default mechanism come the day after Sunday?
Guyanese often refer to the day as “dead,” in particular, the business sector, when business is bad or not booming and the absence of customers is felt at the cash register! A lot of Guyanese are already “broke” on Mondays! In Mexico, “The Day of the Dead” is a national holiday to honor those who have passed on. This celebration usually takes place on November 1st and 2nd and sometimes on October 31St. The holiday is a family re-union – except dead ancestors are guests of honor. It’s a joyful time when people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory. How will Guyana remember this July 31st? Will it be a day to look forward to, or to fear, or, will it be something else other than, “The Day the Clown Cried?”
Yours Respectfully,
Jai Lall.
