Tracy-Ann McGhie-Sinclair | Service: action with intention

Consciously so, I found myself reflecting on these profound words articulated by the renowned Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” A self-explanatory quote that shows a mature progression in the interpretation of the true meaning of life and what it means to live.

Undoubtedly, the pandemic ushered in by COVID-19 has forced mankind to reflect and act on issues that are deemed important. Chief among these is rendering inestimable service to our fellow men, demonstrating the strength of the human spirit.

Service defined

Contrary to popular belief, service is not charity or merely an act in response to a need or problem. If we were to critically analyse the nature of service, we would find that it is more than an action. It is also an attitude, a relationship, a way of being in the world. Service can come in all shapes, forms, and sizes, most of which can be categorised into four main types: direct, indirect, advocacy and research. Direct service involves working with people or the environment and may include volunteerism.

Indirect service experiences channel resources to those in need but do not require the patron to be in the presence of the person or thing impacted. This type of service could take the form of fundraising or collections. Advocacy requires one to be engaged in social actions and includes speaking up for or against an issue or solution. Finally, research involves gathering and presenting new information that informs or demands action.

Service in action

In late March, Imani Duncan-Price, fearing the unintended impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the informal economy, took to social media, urging citizens to donate funds to Food For The Poor so that the less fortunate could benefit. We saw grand acts of ministration by several politicians during the Easter season. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, through his Positive Jamaica Foundation, donated J$1.5 million to the Mustard Seed Communities while Lisa Hanna, Alando Terrelonge and others enthusiastically handed care packages to residents of their constituencies. The ‘Telethon Jamaica – Together we stand’ virtual fundraising concert organised by Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and her team showcased some of Jamaica’s best talents. The initiative raised approximately $50 million to procure personal protective equipment for health personnel. One of the most altruistic displays of service is that being rendered by our healthcare and essential services workers. Kudos to them as they fight on the front line!

In a simpler display of service, justices of the peace, Christiana zone, furnished their local policemen with sanitation products and items to make hot beverages while they monitor the streets at nights during curfew. Percy Junor Hospital was gifted food products and is now reaping the benefits of a food-planting project initiated by Justice Kevin Grant a few years ago. Other service groups and committed citizens across the island have donated food and clothing to the less fortunate and have given of their time to assist the elderly in various nursing homes.

All over the world we are witnessing service in action. Early March, medical experts from China partnered with the Chinese Red Cross to supply Italy with 30 tons of equipment, which included masks, respirators, and other supplies. To date, Cuba has sent approximately 1,200 healthcare workers around the world to assist countries that are gravely affected by the virus.

In Brooklyn, New York, a landlord, Mario Salerno, who has 18 apartment buildings, waived rent for his 200 tenants in the month of April. Meanwhile, in Miramar, Florida, Mayor Wayne Messam and his team partnered with Feeding South Florida to host two drive-through food distribution events, a project from which thousands of Miramar residents benefited.

Research to find a cure and/or effective treatment for COVID-19 is well under way, with hundreds of trials already announced. Myriads of research are being conducted worldwide to ascertain the effect of the pandemic on people’s lives. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica has recently announced the undertaking of a survey which should yield data on how knowledgeable Jamaicans are about the virus.

These acts of service indisputably concretise the fact that there can be no community without meaningful involvement.

We can all act

All Jamaicans need to wake up and act during these unprecedented times. Expressions of spontaneous, appropriate caring are needed to encourage and boost the morale of many who are experiencing economic, social, psychological and other personal struggles. One of my favourite speeches is that presented by Oprah Winfrey at Spelman College’s graduation approximately seven years ago.

During her address, she charged the graduands to know who they are, find a way to serve and always do the right thing. Let us continue to do the right thing by serving! It is through service that many will find themselves. We have a duty to be our brother’s keeper, to help each other, especially the underprivileged.

How can we all act? With the steady rise of COVID-19 cases in the island, the answer is, stay at home, practise physical distancing and observe all guidelines mandated by the Government.

Remember, service is an essential aspect of life in any democratic society. It is action with intention, a way of being which should result in a better world.

Tracy-Ann McGhie-Sinclair, EdD, JP, is an educator. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and tracyannmcghie@yahoo.com