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The Seven Ponds Sep 17, 2024 Letters Plaque at Seven Ponds, September 14, 2024 Dear Editor, On behalf of our entire family, we were pleased to see the Place of the Seven Ponds look resplendent during the solemn funeral for Sir Shridath Ramphal. Additionally, it was a pleasure to hear Mark Ramphal, Sir Shridath’s son, use the poem by Martin Carter, our Father, entitled ‘Death Of A Comrade’ in tribute to “Sonny”, a friend and Comrade of Martin’s. In spite of the efforts to place a picket fence and plaque next to our Father’s place of rest, allow us to point out that the photograph on the plaque is not of Martin Wylde Carter, but instead that of A.J. Seymour, another of Guyana’s foremost literary figures. We sincerely hope the mistake will be corrected, as it is also a disservice to Mr. A.J. Seymour’s family. For easy reference, we attach the photograph of the plaque, with inscription Martin Wylde Carter but with A.J. Seymour’s photograph, on display at the Place of the Seven Ponds yesterday. Sincerely, Keith H. Carter, MD Related Similar Articles

The debate on whether the quality of governance being delivered by the PPP is consistent with the constitution Sep 17, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, I have been following, with much interest, the exchanges on the Guyana Constitution between Attorney General Anil Nandlall and former Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Bertrand Ramcharan. This is an exchange every Guyanese should follow, not only because of who are involved in the conversations, but it elevates discussions on this vital instrument which the nation’s government, development and the people’s rights is grounded in. It is an exchange that brings to the fore the nuances of governance in the context of the existing constitution. On one hand, there is the effort to have a frank, honest and dispassionate conversation on governance consistent with the constitution. On the other hand, there is an effort to escape accountability by clutching to political deceit and dishonesty. It remains a travesty to this nation that 58 years after independence and 44 years after the existence of the present constitution, this document is not yet part of the formal education structure and taught in our schools. I don’t believe this is an accident. For sinister reasons, the government feels ignorance of the constitution works to its benefit. Were the masses exposed to learning the constitution in a structured way they would not only have held the government accountable and demanded a better way of life, based on constitutional guarantees, but they would also have seen through Nandlall’s chicanery. The issue in the public domain raised by Professor Ramcharan is the quality of governance being delivered by the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) consistent with the constitution. It is not the constitution being put to the test by the professor. But what Nandlall has done is turned the issue around by saying to the nation that Ramcharan is questioning the constitution and he, Nandlall, is defending this sacred document. He is not owning up to what everybody knows, i.e. the Jagdeo/Ali regime is autocratic, has no regard for good governance, human rights, law and order when these don’t work in their self- interest. Nandlall spends time explaining that the constitution makes provision for the separation of power at the various levels, and cunningly returns to the PPP usual mantra of rigged elections by the People’s National Congress (PNC). He uses this as the only act and period of where a government has been in violation of the constitution. Even as he attempts to speak to rig elections, he ignores to tell this nation that the High Court vitiated the 1997 Elections the PPP claimed it won, free and fair; the 2006 Elections where Sam Hinds occupied for five years, the AFC’s Region 10 parliamentary seat; or the irregularities in the 2020 Elections within the PPP’s strongholds, particularly on the lower East Coast of Demerara. He took a wide berth from these. In his attempt to discredit a legitimate national concern on governance, Nandlall ignores to tell the nation of the PPP’s failure to activate the Coroner’s Act to account for the hundreds of young men that were extra-judicially murdered during Bharrat Jagdeo’s presidency (2002-2006). This is a transgression of the right to life, a human right, as protected in the constitution. Article 13 of the Constitution mandates “inclusionary democracy” as the principal objection of the political system. The Jagdeo/Ali regime has done nothing to protect and advance. Every day we witness some Guyanese being pushed further and further to the brink of society. We bear daily witness to constitutional violation by a government Nandlall is part of and has a principal responsibility to ensure adherence to the constitution. Also noted is the attorney general’s attempt to deceive the nation that this regime respects collective bargaining. Let him prove this by withdrawing from the court his appeal against Justice Sandil Kissoon’s ruling in April 2024 which upholds the constitutional right to collective bargaining and the check-off dues for the teachers. Further, let his regime meet the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) to address the redundancy payment for workers employed at Bauxite Company Guyana Inc. (BCGI). The above represents just a few of the transgressions that have taken place under the Jagdeo/Ali regime. This is the level of autocracy we live in, and some are struggling against. Nandlall must walk the talk on the constitution and stop trying to fool the nation. People are not fooled, including those who may not have read a word in the constitution. This society is being suffocated by a bunch of lawless men and women, who are paid by the people to be in service to the people, as outlined in the constitution, but who everyday trample on the tenets of the constitution. Sincerely, Lincoln Lewis Related Similar Articles

Govt. continuing its mental health awareness and accommodation Sep 17, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, I take note that the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, recently re-emphasised the importance of mental well-being. He succinctly stated that “Mental health is integral to our well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatised.” And as we all know this is a global reaction. He added that “In Guyana, like in many other countries, mental health issues affect individuals, families, and communities, impacting every aspect of life.” This outlook is in sync with the World Health Organization (WHO), as it sees mental health as a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” What is very commendable is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government is very committed to prioritising, promoting, and protecting mental health. Its focus is on preventing mental disorders and ensuring that mental health services be accessible to all, no matter the location. This is indeed quite necessary and urgent, as mental health statistics in the world show that some 100 million people are living with a mental disorder (with anxiety and depression being the most common), leading to health conditions that cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. They can also lead to problems at school and at work. So, what is the PPP/C Government’s response? It has teamed up with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) to develop the National Mental Health Action Plan 2024-2030. This plan, as outlined in the press, details a “… comprehensive framework for addressing the country’s mental health needs, focusing on ensuring access to quality services and safeguarding the rights of those with mental disorders.” After all, the goal of the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health is to ensure universal health coverage, involving access to quality and affordable care for mental health, neurological and substance use conditions for 100 million more people. In Guyana, this is the current direction too, as the thrust of the action plan is “… the implementation of the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act which mandates the establishment of all necessary authorities, and bodies required to enforce mental health laws. This is including the training of mental health teams across the country’s health regions.” This is a big undertaking and it is comforting to know that the country’s various teams will be trained under the WHO Quality Rights programme, which promotes a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to improving mental health. This means that the government will push for these vulnerable citizens to be afforded safe communities that are accepting, supportive and free of violence, and living in housing that is clean and well maintained. When it comes to the monetary aspect to pull off this, “… a minimum of 5 per cent of the national health budget to mental health services will be utilised, and this translates to a significant amount. Let’s recall that the 2024 National Budget earmarked some $129.8 billion for health overall. Involved in this input is the “… promise to invest heavily in objectives such as the expansion of diagnostic services countrywide; adequate procurement and supply of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and expansion of the range of medical personnel and services.” In 2023, the figure was $90.2 billion, and the jump will now allow for ongoing efforts to expand and enhance health facilities and diagnostic capabilities across the country. Editor, Guyanese can help create a healthy atmosphere for the mentally affected. There is the ongoing national mental health information and awareness campaign that is aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination against those with mental health conditions. Even as the Ministry of Health is leading the way, citizens can offer psychosocial support that promotes mental health and well-being. This support can include helping people understand and use healthcare and community services, advocating for basic services and security, and supporting community networks, social groups, and social service organizations. This will go a long way for what Guyanese are really advocating, that is, a society without divides and discriminations of any sort. Yours truly, HB Singh. Related Similar Articles

Mr. Nath encouraged teacher Doodnauth Singh to study law Sep 17, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Adding to what Ravi Dev penned as being a pioneer in education in Guyana and his activities in NY (Sep 15), Mr. Rudra Nath had a very productive past and helped many including Doodnauth Singh. I knew and engaged Mr. Nath quite well as a fellow Port Mourant dweller. Everyone who knew or came across Mr. Nath spoke positively of him. I did not study at Nath’s. I passed Common Entrance in 1972 to study at the prestigious Berbice High which later moved to Multilateral HS. But I knew Nath from interaction in Port Mourant as a youngster and activist. He was held in high esteem. He was very close with Cheddi Jagan who regularly came to Ankerville, his and my native place. The two met regularly. Nath helped to organize rallies for Cheddi and planned strategies. And in New York, Nath, Bhanu Dwarika of Trinidad, Baytoram Ramharack, Ravi, myself and others launched the Indo-Caribbean Federation. A few of us routinely engaged him on political history and community activism. Nath was a Gandhian influencing people on West Coast Demerara and East Coast Essequibo. He was immersed in Indian culture and brought people together to celebrate festivals. Nath contributed significantly, mostly in Guyana, to the struggle against the dictatorship. It was Jagan who encouraged him to relocate from West Coast to Port Mourant. And there, he quietly contributed to the political struggle while founding high schools. It was revealed that at a meeting in Rose Hall at Dharry’s store upstairs, businessman Hubert Gokool warned Jagan not to trust Burnham in the anti-colonial movement. Gokool and Nath would turn out to be right. The late Mr. Alim Shah, Rhyaan’s father, made available the land to found Nath’s school. Nath helped many among the poor to obtain a high school education, which they would not have obtained otherwise. He kept many students in school who could not afford to pay the tuition when the rule was to keep them out of classes if tuition was not paid. Clearly, Nath was a very caring, compassionate individual whose goal in life, it seemed, was to improve the lives of the poor and downtrodden, a Jaganite philosophy. Nath encouraged all to uplift themselves through education and to pursue higher academic achievement where practical. Those who passed GCE O’ Levels were encouraged to do A’ Levels. He influenced the famous Doodnauth Singh to pursue law.  While teaching at Guyana Oriental College, Nath happened upon Doodnauth Singh who had come from Skeldon to teach at that same school in Georgetown. Doodnauth taught Math. Nath observed Doodnauth in the classroom and held discussions on politics and varied subjects after which he concluded that Doodnauth had lawyerly skills; Doodnauth made arguments based on facts, logic and deduction. In addition, Doodnauth was an outstanding speaker. Nath told Doodnauth he would make a great lawyer. He encouraged Doodnauth to study law. Nath and others pooled resources to help Doodnauth to pursue legal studies. Doodnauth agreed to abandon teaching as a profession and to study law. He later became one of Guyana’s finest and most successful lawyers and Attorney General. He was counsel to Jagan and the PPP for many years. He broke with Jagan over communism, Jagan’s unwillingness to strongly and publicly side with Indian culture, and Jagan’s reluctance to embrace a militant approach to confront the dictatorship. Years later, in the 1980s in a visit to Guyana, Nath paid a courtesy visit to Counsel Doodnauth Singh. Doodnauth embraced him and broke down in tears. Doodnauth would not have been a lawyer without Nath’s goading and support. (As an aside, Doodnauth’s daughter, Gina, would become famous in UK over Brexit). As headmaster, Nath ran into conflict with Board of Governors of schools he co-founded because he was more interested in educating young minds while the board members were interested in making profits; education was a business for them to earn profit returns. Nath wanted to offer scholarships to six students annually who distinguished themselves at GCE to pursue higher learning in Chicago with the commitment to return to teach at the school. It didn’t quite work out because the Board was opposed to spending funds on scholarships. It demonstrated the gentleman’s advanced thinking. At a time when jobs were most difficult to obtain for prospective educators, Nath provided employment as teachers to several individuals who faced discrimination in hiring practices at government schools and at Christian controlled schools because they were Hindus or Christians and refused to convert to gain employment. He hired several who did not exactly excel at GCE but had talent to be good educators. Nath’s school did produce outstanding students who went on to productive careers in Guyana and in the diaspora. I believe Moses Nagamootoo studied at Nath’s and also became a teacher there briefly before he was recruited by Dr. Jagan for bigger plans. Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram Related Similar Articles

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