MEDICAL Superintendent of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr. Vishalie  Sharma,  in a statement following a verbal attack on her personality  by an AFC politician, has noted that while the comments were perceived to have been an attack on her, it was instead an attack on women as a united body.

Her comments were made during an International Women’s Day celebration held at the Berbice Regional Health Authority Boardroom, at Fort Canje on Wednesday.
Surrounded by her colleagues, who represented all levels of the health sector, Dr. Sharma expressed much humility at the support that was afforded her during the ordeal, even as she was experiencing a heave of emotions since the attack occurred simultaneously with the passing of her father.
“However, I have my mother, a guru, and my family and I have learnt to live my life according to my religious and family traditions. What persons perceived as an attack on me was an attack on us, as a united body. I am humbled by the support. I am a woman, I am strong and invincible”.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Health Authority [BRHA] Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo said that while the regional body will chastise its staff for misdemeanors, it will not condone any attack on the members.
“All types of violence must be condemned”, he emphasized. “We must not live in fear but as women you must hold your head high, walk bravely into the world ahead as you are the bearer of the future”.
Referring to the verbal attack on Dr Sharma, Mahadeo explained that the individual never expected the backlash, as “we have gotten local and international support for Dr Sharma, and today will not be the end”.
On March 2, 2013, at Adelphi Village, Canje, Berbice at 18:17hrs, in the presence of Mr. Moses Nagamootoo and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan both executive members of the Alliance for Change, together they reportedly witnessed Mr Charrandas Persaud carry out a vicious attack on the personality of Dr Sharma because of her bodyweight and size, contending that she should not be employed as a doctor at the New Amsterdam Hospital.