By Francis Quamina Farrier

THE 2018 Health Expo by the Ministry of Public Health opened last Wednesday evening with fanfare at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Georgetown. The ‘pomp and ceremony’ included the Health Expo Jingle by Alicia Martin, a Chinese Dragon Dance by members of the Chinese Association, a very entertaining solo on the saxophone by Roy Stewart and a very creative dance by the National School of Dance.

The Expo closed last evening after thousands of citizens attended the four-day event and listened to important health messages by President David Granger and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

Delivering the feature address at the opening, the President informed the nation of the government’s objective to ensure that there will be health facilities available to all Guyanese within their towns and communities. “There will be neighbourhood health centres to provide free health care”, according to President Granger, who also stated that “the mental, physical and social health of the nation is of importance,” and that “prevention is at the centre” of a healthy and happy life.

Both Ministers Volda Lawrence and Karen Cummings of the Ministry of Public Health addressed the gathering at Wednesday’s opening ceremony, supporting the president’s objective and that of the Ministry to bring the best in healthcare to the Guyanese people. A living example of this year’s Health Expo theme “Reaching for a Better Life with Good Health”, is 99-year-old retired educator, Hilton Lewis.

Born on March 21, 1919, the retired headmaster and uncle of the late Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis, attributes his longevity and good health, first and foremost, to his love of God since he was very young. A member of the Anglican Church, Hilton, familiarly called “Champ”, in an interview, told me, “Laughing all the time and engaging in athletics from a little boy,” have also contributed to his ability, even at age 99, to be able to do 4’6” high jumps and 14” long jumps. “I attended the St. George’s school as a little boy, and we had to run on the street around the Cathedral 35 times every school day,” adding that, “Good food is very important; fresh fruits daily and greens.” He pointed out that these foods clean the arteries preventing strokes.

Hilton is also a lover of the Arts – painting and singing among them. He has the ability to sing not only in English but also in Italian, French, Spanish and Latin. To prove his point, he gave me examples in his rich tenor voice. “I never smoked,” he said proudly, which is a point that was raised by President David Granger during his feature address at the opening of the Health Expo 2018.

Hundreds of citizens were also given free medical attention during the four days of the Health Expo 2018. For Hilton, who was in the teaching profession for 55 years, his long and healthy life was summed up by him in four words, “Life is so good.” He is already excited about celebrating his 100th birthday on March 21, 2019.