Cheshire Home’s talented residents
−aspiring artist and singer showcase their talent
−Being PWD not an obstacle
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Talent was on display at the Cheshire Home in Mahaica as residents and staffers observed International Day of Persons with a Disability. The Home caters to persons with disabilities, offers therapy to outpatients and generally provides services on an inpatient basis to all its residents.
On December 3, the Home hosted a mini-exhibition and fair and it is here that Carey Baird, a gifted artist showcased his pieces that he would have painted on canvas or cardboard.
Seven years ago, Carey who considered himself a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ suffered extensive injuries after a fall from the tray of a truck that was travelling along the South Rupununi trail. “I used to do hard work like build houses, crush rocks, I worked in the interior…. I was travelling to a job and I was tired and fell asleep at the back of a speeding vehicle …I fell out of the vehicle… since then my life has changed significantly.”
Now relying on a wheelchair for mobility, Carey recalled that during his school days he spent a lot of time on Art. “… that was one of my hobbies; I loved to draw and I continued to draw during my spare time.”
This has now created an avenue for him to nurture a hidden talent that he has. Despite his disability, he impressed many people with the work he has done.
While there, the DPI team also met Anil Pertab who loves to sing. Anil is a member of the Elim Pentecostal Church in Unity, Mahaica and it was there that he realised his zeal for singing.
Lustily belting out the words to ‘I am a promise’ he noted that his faith in God is strong and singing the tunes of his favourite local artistes – Anil Azeez and Cheryl Maloney keeps him going.
Both Carey and Anil were reserved when they were asked about taking their talents to the next level. Carey particularly said he would like to do more with his gift and believes that painting is not his only gift. Meanwhile, Anil prefers to sing at church and for his colleagues at the Cheshire Home.
Handicraft pieces from students of the Open Doors Vocation Centre were also on display.