KINDLY permit me a space in your much-read column to congratulate and thank a true son of the people of Guyana, because of what he did for us and I am sure he can and will do for all Guyanese if the situation arises.

Recently, a huge whale washed up on the shores of Maria’s Lodge on the Essequibo Coast, much to the disgust of the residents of the area.
The stench which emanated was horrible. We could not have stayed in our homes and I had to take away my grandchildren to another area to prevent them being exposed to this unholy smell.
Days went and nothing was done, the stench was unbearable; breathing and occupying our homes became a huge problem.
We spoke to one Mr. Dereck Paul who came and went and another, one Ms. Doreen Duncan. She too, like Mr. Paul, came and went and nothing was done to at least make life easier for us. Myself and other residents were on the verge of moving out from our homes when a police officer told me to call Mr. Latiff, as he is the only person that she is sure will certainly help us.
Without any hesitation we called him and explained our woes.
He was on the West Coast at the time but sure enough he immediately promised to be of help.
Mr. Latiff, true to his word, came just before nightfall assisted by persons he recruited with two motor blowers and sprayed the whale.
He went on spraying until close to 10 p.m. and thank God it was the first time in four days we could have opened our windows.
The next day he came again early in the morning and continued spraying, but this time he said the only thing that could be done was to burn the whale as the mammal was in an advanced state of decomposition.
This was met with some objection by persons working with the sea defence department, as they said the EPA was against this.
He told us to get the whole village out and help in preparation to burn, as whatever are the consequences from the EPA, he would accept, even if it meant going to jail as it is the people and their welfare that always come first even if it meant going to jail.
I have never seen displayed before, such a fearless quality of leadership, action and concern for the welfare of the people and the community.
His strength of representation is unbelievable! In a moment there was a crowd and all came prepared to help.
The whale was burnt but not fully, as the rain and tide came in and extinguished the flames.
Mr. Latiff came again in the afternoon as soon as the water was out and sprayed until late into the night and for many nights and days after until the stench was hardly noticeable.
I cannot help admiring such a human, for the benefit of us he left his home and a sick son to ensure we are comfortable and happy once more.
I take this opportunity and on behalf of the residents who were affected to thank Mr. Latiff publicly.
We all thank you Mr. Latiff as you are indeed our saviour.
It is leaders and leadership like this we need in our community and country, so I take this opportunity also to encourage our other aspiring leaders, country wide, to take note of this son of our country, a man who selflessly and without any hesitation helped those in need and made life a lot easier.
We thank you once more Mr. Latiff. May God continue to bless and keep you well.
NADIERA ‘DONNA’ SPRINGER
Maria’s Lodge, Essequibo Coast