Looking through memory lane I came across a photo of me in 2010 with Guyana’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2001-2008) and Permanent Representative to the UN since 1987, Ambassador Rudy Insanally. Ambassador Insanally was President of the 48th Session of the UN General Assembly (1993-1994) and served an illustrious diplomatic career as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Columbia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Japan among other distinguished assignments. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Son, Grand Cordon by the Japanese Government in 2009, becoming the first Caribbean national to receive this award. He was Guyana’s Ambassador to Japan in 1992. Here we are together in his home where he proudly displayed his award. It was an honor to meet him and work with the then Foreign Minister of Guyana as well as interact with other former Foreign Ministers. Guyana afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with the President and Prime Minister and introduce me to other distinguished members of the Caribbean community.
In Japan, it is believed that the first dream of the New Year is important because it tells you what the year holds for you. What did you dream about? Here’s a haiku poem by Itō Shōu in English and Japanese below.
The year’s first dream –
a secret I spoke to no one,
smiling to myself. ― Itō Shōu (1859-1943)
初夢や
秘めて語らず
一人笑む ―伊藤松宇
The Japanese poet Itō Shōu was a poet of the Meiji era (1868-1926). He was a contemporary of another great Haiku poet Masaoka Shiki. Both wrote during a time when Japan opened its doors to the world and quickly learned about Western culture and technology.
On a journey, I’d have
as my companion on the road,
a butterfly. ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902)
道づれは
胡蝶をたのむ
旅路かな ―正岡子規
Christmas and Hanukkah remind us to cherish life, family, and our faith. There is much to reflect on this December as we near the New Year. What are you most grateful for? For me it is my family, my health, my friends, and God. Material things are far from my list of wishes. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, clean water, food, and access to books and libraries. Most of all, I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of a loving family. I lack nothing. I pray for peace and tolerance. I am incredibly thankful to everyone who allowed me to share my story and realize a dream of mine – becoming a published author. Thank you for your support and readership.
I wish you and your loved ones the blessings of faith, family, and health and much joy knowing you are loved. From our family to yours, stay blessed!
