Reply to "Guyana Ronald Ramjattan knighted by Queen Elizabeth II"

Gil, Most Berbician say 'feget' and the person I was about to marry on the WC had a friendly laugh at my accent. Maybe that might be why she  marry a guy from Uitvlugt. OMGoodness  that was 50 years ago. Life does have its twists and turns.

Spent less than one third of my life in Guyana and most in Canada's west coast. Mara's country, as he calls it. 

 

I was just about to write you regarding  the book I am now reading when  the phone rang, with a lady  who wanted to start a group  in our town about how to deal with suicides in families.

As you know, 'sudden death' scenarios can have severe consequences for families, if they are not open in dealing with their feelings and emotions.

Recently a friend's son died from gunshot,his wife died months later, because she was not able to cope.

 

The book I am now reading was last printed in 1938 and set in the South Pacific[where I visited as a marine radio officer], called  'The Hurricane' by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall.  They wrote my favourite trilogy about the Bounty.

As a teenager 'Mutiny on the Bounty' at Albion school  left a lasting impression on me, especially with two teachers courting, who eventually marry each other.  

I am in the process of visiting Pitcairn's Island.

 

I was angry when I read the WHO report, because we have corporate resources to assist the youth in Guyana, but some self serving official with no conscious have other ideas.

I don't understand these people, the parents of the youth we are trying to assist, voted for these guys to stay in power.  

 

Dr. Yog Mahadeo recently wrote the letter below...

 

Dear Editor,

We have gone past the time for another perambulation of Georgetown in a vaunted Suicide Walk. It cannot and will not replace education, counselling and the tremendous work we the parents have to do. Each suicide; each unfortunate death in this country is an indictment on our conscience as a people. Do we really care? I am sorry to hear of Alex’s suicide in West Coast. And, I am sorry to hear that some blame is being pinned to the Principal. I have the highest regard for Swami Ashkarananda. I wish we could be blessed with a fraction of the patience and discipline that he lives by on a daily basis. Yes he is stern, yes he is strict -and sometimes harshly so. But which Leader, what Parent and what disciplinarian should not be stern and strict? As is, we make international headlines on this matter and all we do is walk. Yet, most suicides are related to discipline/rebellion or “puppy-love”. The question is what are we prepared to do to deal with this monster called suicide? And, it has to start with our system. We ALL need to start taking personal responsibility for every death. We cannot depend on a system  that is failing us. Let us take responsibility and not blame anyone. So, the question is, have we failed our children who are commiting murder of themselves? Is there anything we can do? I believe we should start talking about this more. Parents and children need to start talking. This has to become a family discussion matter. Teachers must also start friendly discussions on this. Let it be weekly. Where are the school guidance counselors? I also believe that the Ministry of Health must start preparing counselors to be on call. Our children are too important to shuffle this away. I will volunteer to be trained and to provide such service if needed. Is it going to be enough? Maybe not. But let’s start today, let’s save our children. They are but a reflection of ourselves, our country and our system. They can be saved – by us. Time to start is now. To Mom and Dad of Alex, our deepest sympathies. To all mothers or fathers that lost a child to suicide…. our sympathies. In closing, I call upon all parents who have lost a child to suicide: You have lost a child – but you must feel empowered to lead this fight so that we do not lose another son or daughter. This is our call, for the sake of our children.

Dr. Yog Mahadeo

 

.....and I drafted a reply about ' Do we really care'? for KN , but the volunteers in Guyana who were part of our program are still afraid about victimization, if the 'big man' who demanded the fee is identified. It might also burn my bridge to Guyana. These people are heartless with victimization in their blood.

This is insane, we were victimized while trying to improve lives and we cannot talk openly about it.  For this reason and more, we need a new government in Guyana.  

 

I am  trying  to make personal contact with you and Mitwah, any suggestions? If you know my correct name Google it.

Tek care, 

        

 

Originally Posted by Gilbakka: