austraLasia #2239


Grim new normalcy for Myanmar

YANGON: 28th August 2008 -- The headline is, actually, from the International Herald Tribune, which yesterday ran both a front page photo (was it black and white or did it simply depict the colourless reality?) and a second page feature article on the aftermath of 'Nargis'. The article deals with 'the sea', 'the land', 'the children'. It could have been written by our most regular correspondent on this issue, Archbishop Charles Bo, but it wasn't. As luck (or some would say 'Providence') has it, a letter from the Archbishop arrived the same day. In some ways, his penned thoughts (though to be honest, the letter was jointly penned with his fellow bishop John Hsane Hgyi from the very needy Pathein Diocese) are more grateful, more hopeful, and ultimately more stirring.  Over to the bishops, who are effectively reporting on a meeting with the Red Cross and Caritas International to see the state of play:
    "The first response was one of deep gratitude: gratitude to God for many achievements despite all the suffocating constraints; gratitude to many of our field workers for their commitment and courage braving the waves in the delta to reach the most affected; gratitude to the national and local Caritas networks that responded with professional alacrity....gratitude to many international Caritas networks that stood by us....; and gratitude to our Church leaders and individual donors for their support and prayers".
    "Perfect is the enemy of the good. We were not attempting the perfect but we were trying to do good in a country used to incremental suffering. We were reaching out with our hands tied by so many restrictions. This is the first major disaster in our memory. Given all these handicaps, one reads the interim report with a sense of satisfaction....".
    "Risky rescue operations were undertaken by both dioceses, saving the lives of hundreds. Life saving food, water and shelter materials were distributed to thousands. Medical assistance was rushed to remote areas, psycho-social support to orphans and widows was extended. Child protection was implemented in many places. Livelihood recovery through distribution of seeds and animals is being effected. Our uniqueness is our network; most of the affected areas were parish networks and we could reach out the people faster with good targetting".
    "Yet the response was not flawless. Without any expatriate help at the field level, major programs still need streamlining and fine tuning. As the emergency phase fades away an integrated approach by the Church is warranted. With the huge disaster our capacity for scaling up is a challenge. Our status as 'non-registered' has its own handicap. The need for training and capacity building are hampered by the lack of qualified personnel in the country. Also difficult was the access to our experienced partners. Our capacity for networking with other agencies and the UN can improve in the next phase"....
    "...Myanmar has survived many tragedies. Cyclone Nargis was one of the most painful wounds inflicted on the integrity of our people. Thousands still remain without proper homes. Livelihoods are to be rebuilt.  The UN and other agencies calculate another three years of rehabilitation to lead to greater sustainability".
    "The Church pledges its commitment to the people of Myanmar. It had thrown all its resources into the emergency phase. As the people are slowly picking up the pieces in their lives and starting once again in this country we wish to accompany them in their march towards their dignity.....Ours is a long march. The pledges and promises need to be translated into real commitment by many of our donors. We are fast learning to meet the standards set by our partners. It is our prayer and wish that our partnership brings great succour to the people of Myanmar".
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Title: australasia 2239
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces MYM
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2239