Welcome to the ninth 2015 column of “The Gender Corner,” published in collaboration with the Anguillian Newspaper. This Corner is meant to provide thought-provoking and stimulating discussion on gender-related matters. The goal is to break the silence about a range of issues so that we can start building a positively transformed and visionary society. This week we discuss living in the present and preparing for the future of ourselves and our nation; we cannot be caught off guard during this season of nation building.
Last month, an earthquake devastated the nation of Nepal, a country in South Asia known for its break taking views of the Himalayan Mountains. At a magnitude of 7.8, this earthquake was the worst in over 80 years. At least 8,046 people died (more than half the population of Anguilla) and over 17,000 were injured. The Himalayan Mountains, viewed as sacred land, were literally brought down as scientists note that part of the mountains dropped by at least 5 feet. When have you heard of mountains being moved?
Just this week, Nepal experienced another 7.3-magnitude earthquake with tremors felt as far away as northern India and Bangladesh. An additional 19 people were killed and almost 1,000 were injured before recovery efforts from the first earthquake were in full swing. It is true that we are not to live our lives in fear, but should we live unaware? And once we become aware of shifts and changes taking place around us, should we remain unprepared?
As our nation enters another period of shifting and change, do you feel the ground shaking in Anguilla? Did you feel the wind shift and notice the unrest of the sea? Do you feel the dryness of the earth asking to be quenched by life-giving water? There is a clear shift going on in our nation and the environment is our figurative clue for the literal lessons that are needed for our surviving and thriving. We are at a pivotal point in Anguilla’s life and we are on the brink of a powerful move.
For those who are taking note, it’s not just here in Anguilla but it is taking place throughout the world. It is a figurative earthquake of epic magnitude that demands the preparation of our people through relevant education, financial wellness and savings, and through getting healthier in our minds, bodies and spirit. As change comes, there will be a call made for each of us to come back to a state of unity in our families, with our friends, with an understanding of ourselves and most importantly, with our relationship with the One who created us. When this call is made are you ready to answer the call?
In circles of emergency and disaster management there are clear strategies for preparing to last through earthquakes and what’s more familiar to us, hurricanes. A formulated plan of action is necessary for the present and for the future. Let’s think about these general guidelines with the mindset of what is needed during this time for Anguilla:
1) Recover – Healing of your mind and spirit, and those around you, can never be underestimated;
2) Restore daily life – Start to think in the present moment, leaving behind what was before and gearing up for what is to come;
3) Reconnect with others – We are literally an island to ourselves, influenced and supported by the outside world but ultimately responsible for our destiny. We must work together;
4) Repair damage – Serious work takes effort and once something is broken it will not always be fixed overnight. Stay steadfast and determined that the work will be holistically profitable; and
5) Rebuild community – There is strength in numbers. Once the damage is done, we must forgive and prepare to move forward together.
Let me add a final step: Be ready to move! Through all the planning, preparation and methods of response, there are some things we cannot prepare for. We just have to be ready to move when the tide shifts. When our current leadership shifts toward the benefit of Anguilla, we must be ready to move. There are times where no matter how much we prepare, the inevitable will happen. The call will soon be made for us to make sound, purposeful and necessary decisions on how we will respond to the increase of poverty, how we will empower vulnerable populations, how we will govern society and how we will govern ourselves. Are you ready for the shaking?
If you’d like to contribute to The Gender Corner, feel free to email Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator, Ministry of Home Affairs, The Valley, or to Ronya.Foy-Connor@gov.ai. or call at 497-2518.
