THERE is hope; not all is lost. As a society, the relentless onslaught of crime news and the overpowering sense of insecurity can make us despondent. However, we must realise that we are not in a hopeless situation. Despite the negativity that dominates the news, there are countless instances of decency and compassion in our daily lives.

As we commemorated both Corpus Christi and Indian Arrival Day, we were reminded of our profound cultural and religious traditions that continue to shape our values and communities. Corpus Christi, focusing on faith and the body of Christ, and Indian Arrival Day, honouring the resilience and contributions of the Indian community, both showcase the enduring strength of our cultural heritage.

By paying closer attention to our everyday interactions, we can recognise goodness all around us-whether from a neighbour, friend, colleague, teacher, store clerk, student, or even a stranger. Recently, I witnessed such. It was the professionals at Mt Hope, notably Dr Ravi Maharaj and Dr Jagessar’s incredible team.

Despite the regular, negative commentary regarding the public sector, I witnessed Ms John, a nurse, tirelessly ensuring that minor operational snags did not affect patients. Her passion and care illustrate the unsung heroism that frequently goes unnoticed, lost in the daily turbulence of negative chords. Such gestures of kindness reflect the principles of Corpus Christi, emphasising selfless service and dedication. This is who we are-a community that comes together to support anyone in need.

While we undeniably often hear about the issues in our public sector, we must not let this negativity blind us to the whispers of goodness that do exist. We must not allow the widespread negativity to weaken our faith in our culture and ourselves; in making this intentional choice, we will be able to recognise the kindness that is deeply woven into the fabric of our society.

Individuals like Ms John demonstrate acts of kindness and commitment, reminding us that our community and our country are still strong and capable of compassion and generosity. This endurance and spirit are also celebrated on Indian Arrival Day, honouring the Indian community’s perseverance and vast contributions to our rich, cultural foundation.

We must cherish, recognise and capitalise on the opportunities available to us as citizens. This does not mean ignoring the significant crime problem; rather, it involves and requires balancing our perspectives. While we must address and combat the issues we face, we should also make a concerted effort to identify and appreciate all the positive contributions around us. Doing so fosters a more balanced and optimistic view, inspiring more acts of kindness and strengthening communal bonds. Both Corpus Christi and Indian Arrival Day teach us to look beyond adversity and find strength in unity and mutual respect.

I am not advocating that we disregard the significant criminal problems that exist in our society. Instead, I suggest we do not neglect the good that still surrounds us, as well as the efforts of others to assist us in our everyday lives. By recognising and applauding acts of kindness, we can help build a more hopeful and resilient community. In these small but significant ways, we can create a society that reflects the best of ourselves, even in the face of tragedy.

Corpus Christi and Indian Arrival Day commemorate the timeless principles of faith, hope, and community peace, guiding us towards a brighter and more compassionate future. As our national anthem reminds us, ‘Here every creed and race finds an equal place.’

Similarly, another national song-‘Portrait of Trinidad’-celebrates our nation’s unity: ‘Because my people are daily making progress / Without any form of stupidness / And in this way we must gain success / For when we moving / We all move as one body / No bickering between you and me / For our policy stands for racial equality.’

Let us strive to see the good in one another and work together for a continuous, harmonious and thriving society. ‘This is We.’

Scarlet Benois-Selman

Woodbrook