Dear Editor,
Leonora hugged the limelight for a fourth consecutive week when the PPP/C Women’s Progressive Party held their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon last Sunday morning from 6:30 Am. Escorted by the Police from the Leonora Police Station, a sizeable crowd led by the General Secretary for the WPO, the Honorable Member of Parliament, Sheila Veersammy and famous Radio Anand announcer , Chandrowtie Sarran, marched from the Leonora MP building to the popular Kowsilla Park.
Gracing the event were the Honourable Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, D. Erica Forte, and, the Honourable Member of Parliament for Region 3, Thandi McAllister. The walk was well supported by both young people, senior citizens and distinguished members from Den Amstel, Uitvlugt, Vergonegen and other villages in Region 3.
MP Thandi McAllister reminded the crowd that it is never too early to start a detection program and no one should be left to suffer alone in any illness. The PPP/C government has many existential programs as a support system when diagnosed with any form of cancer.
The featured speaker was the Honorable Dr. Erica Forte, former Regional Health Officer for Region 3. She emphasized also on an early detection program, regular checkups, not to ignore visible symptoms and to always be conscious of changes. Dr. Forte also stressed on eating healthy foods including choosing locally grown vegetables over the imported vegetables, e.g. bora over broccoli.
WPO’s General Secretary, Honorable Sheila Veersammy, spoke about information being transmitted from a “bottom house” environment to a more structured and modern system, thanks to the PPP/C Government approach and embracing technology. She also advised not overlooking the personal human touch to comfort cancer victims. A visit to simply comb their hair, cut their nails or apply cosmetics can go a far way to brighten their day.
Cancer awareness should be everyone’s responsibility.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall.
