Dear Editor,

THE Caribbean Voice, in collaboration with the Guyana Pandits’ Council, held a youth workshop focused primarily on self-esteem and alcohol and substance abuse. The workshop was held on Sunday April 23rd, 2017 from 15:00hrs to 17:30 hrs in the late Pandit Gowkarran Sharma’s Bhavan (building behind the Diamond & Grove Vishnu Mandir, Public Road, East Bank Demerara).

The workshop saw a total of thirty-one (31) participants with age ranging from six-years-old to 56-years-old.

National Coordinator, Mr Nazim Hussain, represented the Caribbean Voice with much enthusiasm and positivity, as he gave his introductory and closing remarks. National Youth Coordinator, Ms Keshni Chandanie Rooplall, graced the event and offered, as well, her famous self-esteem presentation.

East Bank Demerara sub-group members, Trainer Ms Ibi-Mina Edwards gave highlights on what it means to be emphatic and why we should all practise emphatic communication; Ms Meena Baljit gave her remarks on substance abuse based on scientific information / research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, U.S.A.; Surendra Bipiah did a very impactful overview on alcohol abuse and Ms Sunaina Boodhoo aided in the registration and distribution of informative handouts prepared by the Caribbean Voice. Regional Coordinator for the East Bank of Demerara, Dan Ali, also presented an introduction on drug abuse, enlightening the audience on concepts and definitions that may seem new to them.

The Caribbean Voice extends it gratitude towards many individuals and organisations that made the execution of the event a success. Pandit Rudranauth Sharma, President of the Guyana Pandits’ Council, who gave us the permission through Priest-in-charge of the Diamond and Grove Vishnu mandir, Pandit Gopinauth Prashad, to use the very comfortable and accommodating Bhavan named in honour after the late Pandit Gowkarran Sharma.

Lighting, electricity, tables, chairs, fans, water, and the washroom facility were some of the utilities and comfort provided for us to accommodate the audience. Pandit Gopinauth Prashad, Priest-in-charge of the Diamond and Grove Mandir, who assisted a great deal in the preparation of the Bhavan, such as cleaning, setting up of chairs and tables, and managing the facility to ensure safety and comfort; Mr. Paras Prashad of Prashad’s Medical and Pharmacy for preparing delicious meals for everyone; Triple A sound systems and Meena Baljit for ensuring the items needed to prepare the food was available; Molly’s General Store and Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) that ensured there was enough beverage to keep everyone hydrated; Eye-Max Optical for providing the utensils needed to distribute the refreshments to everyone; the continuous support of Ms Ibi-Mina Edwards of A1 Innovative Business Services; WR Reaz of Team MMR; and also Mr Nazim Hussain of the Variety Show and Galaxy 21 Communications.

The Caribbean Voice is pleased with the motivating and excellent feedback received from the audience on the event and we hope to have many more such events in the future – not just on the East Bank of Demerara, but across all regions in Guyana.

Regards,
Daniel Ali
Regional Coordinator
The Caribbean Voice