The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in legislation and orders for the mandatory wearing of masks in public places. This mandate has caused controversy around the world resulting in demonstrations and other methods of protest. Though uncomfortable, masks have been shown to be the first line of defence in curbing the spread of the virus.
Additionally, based on our interactions with others we have seen first-hand how effective masks can be in concealing the identity of a person. Many times I am guilty of not exchanging pleasantries with someone I know well, but could not recognise him/her behind the mask. While this is detrimental on a superficial level, there are lots of issues that need to be addressed on a national and international level that are hiding behind masks.
While I am not an advocate of public displays of charity, I believe that the Klass FM Live Facebook programme, which took place on 30th August 2021, in East End, unmasked a situation of extreme poverty in Anguilla. DJ Hammer described it as the “underbelly of Anguilla” — and he has a point. Behind the mask of luxury tourism and infrastructure development, is the issue of poverty. While the case being highlighted on that day may be extreme, let us not think for a moment that it is isolated. There are indeed the forgotten poor who live among us. People in Anguilla have been hurting for well over a decade. The global economic crises, the banking crisis, Hurricane Irma and Covid-19, have all resulted in loss of employment, lower wages, loss of property, stress-related medical problems, and the like.
Though everyone is bearing the brunt, there are many among us who are suffering more than others. Our social welfare systems are struggling to provide support on diminishing budgets. Where does that leave people living in poverty? While we should not use their situation for our own glorification, as a Christian society, we have a responsibility to extend a helping hand. I encourage us to be our brother’s keeper and look out for those persons in our community who we know must be struggling — though many of them are still able to put on a brave face.
Our compassion ought not to end there. Behind their masks are also persons suffering from various emotional and mental trauma — whether as a result of the loss of a loved one, childhood or domestic abuse, declining health, loss of income, or just the general inability to cope with the challenges associated with everyday survival — who also need support. This is often the trauma most difficult to detect because it is hidden behind smiles, sometimes self-isolation, disengagement, and even aggression and bouts of anger. Being our brother’s keeper also means just checking in with each other to be a source of comfort and support, a confidential listening ear and reliable friend. As the old people used to say: “Today for me, tomorrow for you”. None of us are immune from the challenges life sometimes throws our way — and we should therefore make every effort to reach out to those around us, and those who have chosen to be hidden from our view.
As the world faces crisis after crisis, and Anguilla seems to be swimming against the tide of a never-ending economic recession, more and more people are feeling hopeless and despondent. The future seems more uncertain now than ever. Persons are wondering whether there is even a future to look forward to, or whether our lives from here on will just be a matter of everyday survival. Every day the international media bombard us with images that suggest the world is in shambles. We have just seen the end of the twenty-year war in Afghanistan, and one can reasonably conclude that the billions of dollars spent, and the thousands of lives lost, were all for nought. This is just one example of the regression that is occurring across the globe in the areas of justice, opportunity, peaceful coexistence, equal rights, ethical standards and economic inclusion.
Here in Anguilla, if we take the time to look behind the mask, and objectively examine our situation, we will recognise that our country is in dire straits. We are on the brink of economic and social collapse. I don’t have the solution, and I don’t believe we should expect one person to have the solution either — but perhaps, collectively, if we take the time for national reflection we can chart a course to a promising future.
