The past year has taken a heavy toll on millions of us around the Caribbean. In order to stem the spread of covid-19 we were asked by our regional governments to essentially change who we are.
We forsook the beach and river limes, bar scene and house parties in an effort to play our part to keep everyone safe.
Even with our relatives and in our Faith practices, we had to abide by strict protocols and refrain from hugging, kissing and showing affection in the way we as Caribbean people appreciate.
Easter rolled into Mother's Day, Father's Day, the July to September long vacation, and eventually Christmas and Old Year's. With the arrival of 2021, we have seen the same situation as Carnival was cancelled and Easter is scheduled to be as muted as last year.
Hundreds of thousands who either live alone or at a senior or long term care facility have not had the opportunity to entertain visitors.
More dangerously for their mental and emotional health, they have not had any physical human interaction. The absence of such a simple gesture of love, validation and acceptance is already taking its toll.
Whether young or old, rich or poor, we are created for interaction with others. Being denied affection or visibility is a cruel way to punish and adversely affects a child who naturally expects attachment to a caregiver. For the elderly, it signals a form of being discarded, left to waste away into invisibility.
For these reasons and many others, there is genuine concern that the response to Covid-19 (and not Covid-19 itself) may be the catalyst for innumerable physical and mental health challenges in persons of all ages in the season to come. The direct impact and trickle down effect could rival the regional economic fallout from the past 12 months - unless a grave turnaround occurs.
The video linked to below is an account of a young man whom recalls the impact upon his young boyish mind and heart when, as a minor entering the care system, he was denied the human interaction of a hug.
Reflect upon times when you felt the need for such connection. Ask yourself how you can make a difference, albeit safely, in the lives of those who are navigating the national response to Covid-19 as people who may feel invisible, untouchable, and unloved.
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