This is Kuwait and these are Kuwaitis
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INDEED, adversity reveals the quality of people. The effort exerted in facing the recent unprecedented rainstorm was the actual expression of the people of Kuwait who usually unite in adversity like fingers holding a sword, motivated by strong faith in their nation and their ability to overcome difficult challenges.
Everyone’s cooperation and unity were shiny pages reflecting the characteristics of the people of this country in terms of diligence towards their nation.
Cooperation is the essence and through it, the image became clearer; considering the care and follow up by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, interpreted on the ground by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. His constant movement and issuance of directives for every concerned to perform their duties effectively lessened the impact of the disaster.
The bet was on learning from the previous rainstorm. This is exactly what happened in the major preparations of the army, National Guard, police, civil defense and fire brigade. All of them are unknown soldiers who worked day and night to prevent disaster in various areas due to the unprecedented downpour, which almost reached the level of being called a typhoon. Therefore, we acknowledge, appreciate and salute them for their diligence.
The past two days reminded me of the historic scene when Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait in 1990, and how the people of this country held their hands together for the sake of the nation. Everyone performed their duty diligently.
If the military invasion made us unite, we are currently going through the natural invasion which also made us unite. It revealed how genuine the quality of people in this country. We cannot overlook the fact that it is the first time in the last 28 years for His Highness the Prime Minister to seek assistance from the private sector. He found the sector ready to assist and perform its national duty without delay, because it is part of the social service mandated on this vital sector which forms the backbone of the local economy.
It is true that there has been negligence in the execution of some projects or faults which must be rectified. Later, those at fault will be held accountable to serve as deterrent and lesson for the future.
However, this does not mean we should deprive people of their rights, especially those who worked day and night to follow up issues with their utmost energy.
The tremendous efforts exerted should be built on national responsibility in every aspect. Work should be based on clear principles and without flaws in order not to return to the empty circles where responsibilities are placed for the sake of scoring a point against the other. In fact, may this be the silver lining in the sense that it becomes an opportunity.
It is important to emphasize that we emerged victorious during the invasion through unity and resistance. We can also emerge victorious in facing natural disasters, similar to what we experienced recently.
Our victory should always come from cementing collaboration between the leadership, government and people in our daily activities; such that we express the reality of this country which cannot be screened by any flaw in practices when eyes are distracted from seeing reality due to a certain force of greed.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
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