Garth Rattray
Congratulations to the 128 outstanding Jamaicans being recognised today. It is, indeed, an achievement when your country takes the time to acknowledge your efforts, accomplishments and worth.
The procedure for awarding national honours begins with a cabinet sub-committee appointed by the prime minister. That body chooses and decides what honour will be bestowed upon whom. Although I deeply respect each and every recipient of our national awards, I must admit that Heroes Day always finds me thinking about the thousands of very deserving souls who have sacrificed for the good of our country and yet remain unrecognised. They are never lauded for their efforts. These unsung heroes play vital roles in the development of our nation without so much as a thank you or token of appreciation from our country.
Some people deserve accolades simply for being good parents, surrogate parents, mentors and/or good role models. I recently met a Rastafarian selling brooms in Liguanea and we got to talking. He mused, "Mi raise nine pickney yuh know sah, dem a give di wrang people awaad!" The fathers who stand up to their responsibilities deserve praise. The mothers who rear their children unassisted and the grandmothers who fill in for absent parents are worthy of acclaim.
I know of many school teachers, principals and administrators who bravely face their duty to our inner-city children by going to school even when warring factions are active in the area. They protect their charges, duck from and dodge bullets whenever there is a flare-up of violence in the vicinity of the schools. Several of those schools are effectively controlled by the local dons, so much so that they sometimes intervene and enforce discipline when some children exhibit truancy, recal-citrance and unruliness.
Teaching environment
Many teachers work under constant threat of violence from students and parents alike. They risk their property, life and limb because they hold fast to their commitment to educate our youths as well as they can. They spend their entire lives in the service of others and often retire quietly without fanfare or accolades from anyone.
Corruption in the force
I know that a number of our policemen and women are corrupt. However, I also know that most cops are honest, decent and hard-working. Consequently, each time that I pass them on patrol or see them manning a checkpoint - in effect risking their lives for our security - my heart goes out to them. Many policemen and women serve this country all their working lives and disappear into obscurity without even a thank-you card.
Our medical personnel who work long and arduous hours under very trying conditions are rarely acknowledged for their sacrifices. The innumerable career civil servants at all levels who toil incessantly behind the scenes to keep the wheels of our country going are rarely shown any appreciation. Many people have such a deep and abiding love for Jamaica that they turn their backs on greener pastures and commit themselves to living and serving here.
Not everyone in private enterprise is selfish and rapacious. Many put their talents to work, providing jobs for others, helping to build our nation and volun-teering much of their money and/or time to worthy causes. Those who have toiled behind the scenes to better the lives of others should be elevated as an example to everyone.
Perhaps, one day, Heroes Day will also be the day that communities, ministries, organisations and businesses pay tribute to those who did not receive national honours but are deserving of them nonetheless.
Dr Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice; email garthrattray@gmail.com; feedback also to columns@gleanerjm.com.
