Pinktober breast cancer walk, bigger and better– GTT CEO
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yba3ea5MP-A” width=”100%” height=”315″]
− Prime Minister Nagamootoo describes event as “a movement of solidarity”
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, October 20, 2018
With thousands turning up for GTT’s Pinktober 5k/10k run/walk today, the event has been deemed a success by government Ministers and participants. The event started at the Durban Park, then moved to the seawall and back to Durban Park.
The walk/run which is part of GTT’s Pinktober calendar of activities is aimed at raising funds for several cancer-related organisations including the Guyana Cancer Foundation. It is the second such walk/run held by GTT since it’s launch last year.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Justin Nedd described this year’s walk as bigger and better than last year noting it’s an excellent way to raise awareness.
“Eight of ten people with cancer go undetected so this is an excellent way to raise awareness. The money raised goes towards raising awareness, treatment and care for the society, because ultimately Guyana being a small population we need all our Guyanese alive and well,” Nedd stated.
The CEO is confident that 2019’s walk/run will surpass this year’s as GTT has already identified areas for improvement.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo described the walk as “a movement of solidarity” that demonstrates that more persons are aware of the prevalence of the ailment. He noted too that the walk was a successful campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and treatment options.
“I believe this has now become a movement and no one can say that they haven’t taken note of the fact that people are aware that we must do something about breast cancer, promote research to bring about the cure for cancer and also to be able to step up the campaign to make all women become more aware of the causes of breast cancer and what can be done to treat it,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson also participated in the walk. Minister Hughes encouraged Guyanese to have regular checkups and take the necessary treatment once diagnosed.
Participating in the walk for the first time, Minister Ferguson also encouraged both men and women to have their monthly checkups. “I want to encourage women to do their regular check, men should also not be excluded. This disease is affecting Guyanese rapidly, so do your regular checkups and keep fit it to minimise the possibility of having it,” Minister Ferguson said.
The scores of Guyanese who participated in the walk/run were eager to show their support to cancer victims, whether a close friend, family or someone unknown. At the end of the exercise, persons were awarded for their participation.
Corporate sponsors for Pinktober 2018 include GBTI-Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Republic Bank, Yellow Pages, 93.1FM, the Suarez Circus and ExxonMobil. Government and Public Affairs Director of Exxon, Deedra Moe, said the oil company will be hosting their own campaign with its employees.
Ranetta La Fleur
Images: Keno George/ Karime Peters