Joining the fight
―GTT recognises sponsors in their fight against cancer
–fight cannot be won alone says Min. Lawrence
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence says the fight against cancer cannot be won single-handedly.
She made the observation at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) recognition ceremony for sponsors of the company’s 2019 Pinktober activity.
“The Ministry of Public Health cannot unilaterally manage this fight like so many other fights. Like the one we are fighting today to save as many lives as we can across Guyana and the world. I speak of the coronavirus. And so, the answer lies in our collaborative effort and our initiatives,” the health minister stated.
Minister Lawrence, who is also a cancer survivor, noted the importance of public awareness messages and programmes about the disease. She said that the health of Guyanese was a priority for the government and that her ministry was sparing no effort to ensure that access to cancer services was widely available.
“Please utilise the measures in place at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. I speak of the mammogram service that is offered. Please encourage your friends and family to have their yearly checkups,” she urged.
CEO of GTT Justin Nedd thanked the sponsors for their support in the fight against cancer.
“It is important for us to think of more than ourselves, and the work that our sponsors have done, the work that the individuals have done to buy packages and to come out to walk in solidarity, speaks to the importance of the heart,” Nedd stated.
Awards and certificates of acknowledgement were also presented to the Pinktober patrons for making the event possible and intensifying the fight against cancer.
Receiving individual honours were Nurse Chandrawattie Singh who was given the ‘Cancer Warrior’ award for her service over the years while the Beacon Foundation received over $1Million toward its care of cancer patients.
The Pinktober month of activities is aimed at educating Guyanese on cancer care and raising funds to support treatment for patients. Some $28.8Million was raised last year compared to $11Million in 2018 and $4Million in 2017.
The sponsors included the Guyana Football Federation, Guyoil, Courts Guyana, Icool, Power and Tel, GDT, Citizens Bank, ExxonMobil, Impressions, ANSA McCal Trading Ltd, Always, MovieTowne, Eco Green, MV Electrical and Contracting Services, 93.1FM, Calix, Eco Atlantic, Lactacyd Pro-Bio, Credit Info, Gizmos and Gadgets, Jagan’s Dental Centre and the Government of Guyana.