Garth Rattray | The good citizen

In 1969, Jamaica began celebrating Heroes Day. It is commemorated on the third Monday of every October to honour our national heroes. The first national hero was Marcus Garvey; however, the list presently includes Samuel Sharpe, George William Gordon, Paul Bogle, Sir Alexander Bustamante, Norman Manley, and Nanny of the Maroons. Our national heroes represent the very best of us.

It was also decided that, on Heroes Day, we would acknowledge/recognise those citizens who contributed meaningfully and impactfully to our nation. And so, the National Honours and Awards Act was put forward on July 18, 1969. There are several honours and awards, and anyone who receives any of them should feel honoured and grateful for having done so. They are considered to be good citizens, worthy of emulation.

However, you do not need to be well-known or influential to make a meaningful contribution to Jamaica. You do not need to be well placed in society to make a significant difference to our little nation. The criteria for being a good citizen does not include national recognition; it includes positive attitudes and actions that lead to the improvement and/or upliftment of our society. It includes the little things that you can do to make Jamaica a much better place for everyone, and for future generations.

TRUE PROSPERITY

If Jamaica is to truly experience prosperity, if there is to be peace and security, if we are to be a happy people, if we are to attract investors, if we are to become self-sustainable, what we need are good citizens. Jamaicans must stop looking to and depending on politicians and political leaders to save us; we can, and must, save ourselves. In other words, although we expect leaders to see to the administration of our country, and to help to decide our direction as a nation, Jamaica needs good citizens to effect the necessary changes for the betterment of us all.

Good citizenship begins at home with good parenting. The family remains the building block, the nucleus of every society. Broken, dysfunctional families lead to broken, dysfunctional societies. Sadly, most of our family units are either horribly fractured or nonexistent. Many fathers have abdicated their responsibilities, so mothers perform the roles of both parents. Often, the children become collateral damage in hostile parental relationships.

Good citizens show respect to others and are empathic and kind. Good citizens are peaceful. They do their jobs to the best of their ability. They encourage and assist the unfortunate and/or distressed. They exercise fairness, and look out for the welfare and safety of others. When necessary, good citizens provide intelligence to the authorities, so that criminality can be thwarted.

POLLS WEATHERVANE OF SOCIETY

Polls are the weathervane of society. One of the recent polls sought the opinions of some citizens regarding the trust in two public officials who occupy very sensitive and extremely important jobs. Given the widespread and relentless onslaught of criminals upon society, both did not fare well.

Another poll investigated how a sample of the (general) public assessed the performance of a few top political leaders. Although the polls on public servants were interesting, they made me realise that perhaps we ought to direct our polling in a new direction; one that would encourage citizens to undergo a self-assessment.

Polls that evaluate the popularity and efficiency of political leaders are only useful to the political leaders. However, the success or failure, poverty or prosperity, and violence or peace in any nation is dependent on its individual citizens. Leaders may lead, but the path to success is trod by the people of the country. With that in mind, I believe that we should use a poll to assess how we are performing as individual citizens, because the actions of individual citizens determine the well-being of a society.

The polls should ask a wide variety of citizens about their civic awareness, and if their day-to-day actions would lead to a peaceful and safe society. Hopefully, they would bring awareness to the importance of being a good citizen.

Citizens of every country should consider what they can do,

To make life better for others, and good deeds to accrue.

For we are all connected...in some way and somehow,

And what we do affects others, in the future and even now.

We are singularly special, uniquely made and all,

But together we are great, if each of us stands tall.

You don’t have to be talented, or rich and powerful too.

You only have to play your part, and add to the magical brew.

If all you do is smile brightly, then do it all the time,

It may dissuade someone from committing a terrible crime.

And if you have the gift of gab, then put it to good use,

Say positive things, encourage others, express uplifting views.

Whatever you do, do it well because it’s a part of the whole,

Our aim should be to contribute so that we’ll all achieve our goal.

Our common goal is a beautiful place, where we all can get along,

Peace and love and friendship, so that Jamaica will be strong.

Don’t limit yourself by holding back, we should all play our part.

Don’t do it for the accolades, do it from your heart.

Rewards will always come to you, in one way or another,

Jamaica will cradle you in her arms, just like a loving mother.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.