Local show to tackle suicide, other social ills

By Navendra Seoraj

A GROUP of young people have launched a television sitcom called ‘SPUR’ geared at dissuading persons from committing suicide and offering advice on how to combat other social ills in society.The sitcom launched Saturday evening at the Loft Nightclub will be aired on local television in the coming weeks.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, director and writer, Brandon Jones explained that SPUR will be shot in High Definition (HD), and would be the first of its kind to be aired locally.

The production will be based on local culture and will utilise dialect while serving as a motivational tool for persons burdened by social ills.

Meanwhile, considering that Guyana has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, the plot of the sitcom will focus on the negative effects of this problem and how it can be corrected.

“We hope to make the series a motivational tool that will teach and enlighten people on what they should and should not do… though it will focus profoundly on suicide, we will also touch on areas such as racism, domestic violence and other ills, while also adding a bit of humour to act,” Jones said.

In developing the plot, the team sought advice from elderly individuals in both rural and urban areas, who have experienced life on all levels, and were able to share pertinent information with them.

Audio producer Randy Lafleur also pointed out that they learnt a lot from the elderly individuals who were approached. He added that though they are not all experts in the particular areas, they are open to learning and gathering information which they intend to use in the series.

Lafleur said that the knowledge gained will allow them to find solutions which would be highlighted throughout the life of the show.

“None of us can be experts at suicide, but what we do know is people have tenancies to act positive and negative, so with what we have learnt, we will use it to teach you what to do and not to,” Lafleur said, as he indicated that there are a number of ways that suicide can be prevented.

Their intention is to highlight what can be done in the communities and at home.
Therefore, he said, with the use of television, they hope to reach the younger generation and by using entertainment, the team hopes to instill the message in a faster and more efficient way.

Meanwhile, Jones emphasised that they intend to promote scenic areas in Guyana, so scenes will be shot in areas such as Pomeroon, Black Bush Polder, Berbice and even the Kaietuer Falls. In this way, they hope to showcase the different aspects of Guyana’s diverse environment and culture.

Asked what inspired the team to pursue this initiative, the writer explained that he has been a part of the graphics industry for a while and decided to enter the filming industry with the hope of doing something that would impact society in a positive way.

The team, he said, consists of several talented persons such as dancers, comedians and other entertainers who have the potential to make the show a success.

“We have a strong team, but in order to remain strong we hope for the support of the public, who will spread the word about the show, as well as members of the business community, Non-Governmental Organisations, as well as governmental agencies,” the director said, as he indicated that people need to get involved to push the production forward.

One of the actors, Oneal Charles, also called on the public to support the show, noting that this has been a life-changing experience for him.

He related that growing up, he always had a passion for helping others.

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