THE Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is known as the Ministry of Health’s number one ally in the promotion and provision of sexual and reproductive health services in Guyana.

Last week GRPA inaugurated its new 13 member Board of Directors which was elected at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held at Cara Lodge on October 14th, 2014.

The new GRPA board includes the Executive Director of the institution, Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth and 4 times elected Treasurer, Gaitrie Shivsankar who, along with the other members, will govern for two years.

The Board comprises the President Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, Vice President Mr. Jason Shepherd, Secretary Ms. Mena Carto, Assistant Secretary Ms. Ayana McCalman and members- Dr. Faith Harding, Mr. Joel Simpson, Ms. Sharon Roopchand-Edwards and youth representatives – Ms. Chelsie France and Mr. Travis Bruce. The Board also includes three trustees – Ms. Dela Britton, Ms. Glenis Archer and Mr. Ramsay Ali.

Trustee Member, Mr. Ramsay Ali says the new board features a wide cross section of individuals with various skill-sets to effectively execute the duties of the GRPA. Mr. Ali added that the GRPA board is well represented by youths, the LGBTI community and is gender balanced.

President of the Board, Dr. Gordon-Boyle looks forward to her team supporting GRPA to fulfil its mission to ensure access to quality health care, education and information for all individuals and families across Guyana.

Meanwhile, Board Treasurer Gaitrie Shivsankar says she hopes to see definite and impactful fundraising efforts within the next year to further the work of the GRPA, especially as it gets ready for a number of new initiatives including free breast examinations to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also in November free PSA testing and testicular examination for prostate cancer screening.