Editorial: In want vs in need

Someone once stated, “With time, we have become increasingly familiar with the concept of forced wants and unfamiliar with the concept of basic needs.”

As the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic saw its effects take root in Cayman, with stringent measures being put in place, the needs and wants of our community were magnified.

Many among us were forced into a dire state of need. Already living perilously close to the edge, surviving from pay cheque to pay cheque, the wages came to a dramatic halt. Through no fault of their own, work was not possible as government moved to limit the spread of a potentially deadly virus on these shores. Those unfortunate enough to be pushed to the brink were left with tough questions about survival for them and those who rely on them for sustenance.

Thankfully, there are some Good Samaritans among us, who quickly sprang into action or continued doing what they have been doing for some time. Food banks and meal services were there to help those with nowhere else to turn to for help. Some restaurants even offered up free meals.

To those stalwarts of our community, we at the Caymanian Times salute you. You have exemplified what it means to be ‘Caymankind’.

On the other hand, there have been others who have resorted to predatory tactics to make the most of a bad situation – seeking to jump the line to benefit from the generosity of others and to the detriment of those more in need.

That shameful behaviour is clear evidence that as the community grapples with a truly tough situation, there are those who wish to display their ugly sides. Let’s continue to look put for each other and to consider wants versus needs. If you are able to provide for yourself, it is not good enough to literally take bread from those who need it most.

Let’s live and love as Caymanians and put ourselves in the shoes of others more in need and consider their plight before we force ourselves ahead of them to satisfy our selfish wants only to see their needs go unattended to.