FROM humble beginnings in the Georgetown ward of Newtown 37 years ago, Rajesh Chintaman first worked as a photo-journalist with the likes of Mike Norville, Winston Oudkerk and Cullen Bess-Nelson at the Guyana Chronicle.

Fate, however, had a different plan for him, and this was manifested fifteen years ago when he was recruited to help with the creation of a new newspaper in St. Maarten.
Today, after numerous struggles, Rajesh has achieved much, and has become a shining example to young men anywhere in the world.

Currently an editor at The Daily Herald, a newspaper which serves St. Maarten and the North-eastern Caribbean, the animal lover and humanitarian thinks that achievement is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his future.

Rajesh Chintaman has been involved in HIV/AIDS awareness work in St. Maarten for more than a decade. He transitioned from reporting on the fight against this silent epidemic to the forefront of awareness by volunteering with the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation. Today, Chintaman serves on that foundation’s Board of Directors in a voluntary position to which he dedicates a substantial amount of time each week. His tasks as lead coordinator cover planning and coordinating several of the foundation’s activities, including, but not limited to, regular public rapid HIV Testing Day, counselling people upon receiving their (positive or negative) results, and fundraising to keep the foundation afloat.

Chintaman and AIDS Foundation President Dr. Gerard van Osch were the initiators of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation Secretariat. The setting up of this physical office and the hiring of two staff members have taken HIV/AIDS awareness into a higher gear by consolidating planning efforts and programmes.

Approximately three years ago, Chintaman was one of the people on the frontline pushing for a structured self-esteem and healthy lifestyle programme for teenage boys. The need for such a programme was also very acute to balance “Girl Power” – a target programme for high school girls.

“Real Talk” emerged after research by Emory University and constant collaboration of AIDS Foundation and Government. Real Talk will enter its second year at the start of the new school year in August.

This programme can be considered Chintaman’s signature project. He recruits volunteer facilitators and trains them to conduct the programme, which has seen much success in the past year. He also serves as a facilitator of Real Talk.

Chintaman carries out his volunteer work with AIDS Foundation in addition to his day job as an editor with The Daily Herald. He is also a founding member and vice president of the Bishop Ellis Foundation for the Poor and Needy, a charity that provides a box of non-perishable foods to more than 300 people. This is also a voluntary position for Chintaman. The foundation is a non-denominational organization.

Chintaman is a Paul Harris Fellow, having been chosen by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten in October 2014.

He received the Elton Jones Award “For dedicated and exemplary service/work in the field of HIV/AIDS” in St. Maarten in 2012.

Rajesh is recipient of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) Crystal Pineapple for Excellence for the period 2009/2010. He received this award for Outstanding Community Service in the “individuals” category.

That aside he is the best friend a guy could have.