Letter of The Day | (In)dependence on light
Published:Thursday | August 8, 2024 | 12:08 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
This Independence Day was meant to be a grand celebration of our nation’s freedom and achievements, but instead, it has been marred by a dismal and ongoing 33-day power outage following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl. Our streets are not adorned with the usual vibrant lights, and our homes remain steeped in darkness, echoing a time when we fought for visibility and voice. This year, the sense of independence feels ironically overshadowed by our utter dependence on electricity, the lifeblood of our modern existence.
The lack of electricity has far-reaching consequences, not only disrupting daily activities, but also affecting our psychological well-being. For over a month, we have lived without the comforting hum of refrigerators, the flicker of television screens, and the reassuring glow of street lights. This pervasive darkness has cast a long shadow over our community, eroding the very fabric of our independence.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TOLL OF PROLONGED DARKNESS
1. Increased anxiety and stress: The absence of light can significantly increase anxiety and stress levels. The uncertainty of when power will be restored, coupled with the practical challenges of living without electricity, can create a persistent sense of unease. This ongoing stress can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue.
2. Depression and despair: Darkness often brings about feelings of isolation and hopelessness. The inability to connect with the outside world through digital means or enjoy simple pleasures like reading a book under a lamp can lead to depression. For many, the darkness is a constant reminder of the disruption of their daily lives and the loss of normality.
3. Disrupted sleep patterns: Light plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles. Without it, many are experiencing insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. The resulting sleep deprivation can exacerbate feelings of irritability and depression, further impacting mental health.
4. Loss of productivity: For those who work from home, the lack of electricity has rendered it nearly impossible to maintain productivity. The inability to charge devices, access the Internet, or even see clearly to work has had a detrimental effect on many livelihoods. This forced inactivity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.
5. Increased sense of vulnerability: Darkness often breeds a sense of vulnerability. Without street lights and home security systems, the fear of crime increases. This heightened sense of danger can lead to hypervigilance and chronic stress.
Independence Day should be a time of joy and celebration, yet this year it feels more like a somber reminder of our vulnerabilities. The prolonged power outage has exposed the fragility of our infrastructure and our heavy reliance on electricity. It has underscored the need for more resilient systems and better disaster preparedness.
The frustration of ongoing bulletins promising restoration, with no tangible results, has grown. The continuous billing for a service that has not been provided feels like an added insult. It is time for accountability. Our power service providers must recognise the gravity of the situation and work tirelessly to restore electricity. There should be a push for transparency, timely updates, and perhaps even rebates for the prolonged inconvenience.
In the face of this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. This crisis has revealed the importance of community and resilience. Neighbours have come together to share resources, support one another, and find ways to cope with the challenges. Moving forward, there must be a concerted effort to build more robust and sustainable infrastructure to withstand future storms and ensure that our independence is not so easily dimmed.
As we mark this Independence Day in darkness, let us also take a moment to reflect on the light within us. The spirit of resilience and unity will guide us through these challenging times, and with collective effort, we will emerge stronger, with a renewed appreciation for the true meaning of independence.
LEROY FEARON