THE annual GTT Pinktober programme, aimed at raising awareness of cancer, has grown to be one of the most successful charitable events held in Guyana.
The telephone and telegraph company, at a sponsor-recognition ceremony at the Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday, announced that over $28M was raised, combining all the proceeds from month-long activity.

GTT’s accountant, Jason Lewis, said this is a great achievement compared to the $4M raised in 2017 and $11M raised in 2018.

“It’s a lot of work but it is worth it. The goal of Pinktober is to raise funds and the intent of the funds would be for cancer awareness, cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and psychosocial support. The funds are disbursed to various NGOs who apply through grants. This empowers them to cater to the needs of the Guyanese public,” Lewis said.

He noted too, that GTT received tremendous support in 2019 with the activities. Twelve major sponsors donated between $500,000 to $3M and 11 smaller sponsors donated below $500,000. There were six sponsors for the Live Aware activity, who donated stuff needed to ensure a successful execution.

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, commended the company for its excellent work in raising awareness of breast cancer and thanked all those who contributed to the worthy cause.

“It is imperative that we continue to air the message of screening, that we educate our women on the risk factors which, if observed and adhered to, can go a long way in assisting in control of this dreaded disease. I must commend GTT for their successful campaign activities, for bringing the message to the doorstep of our citizens, whom it is our duty to protect and ensure their well-being. The momentum must be maintained to impact every community, every village, in all the regions across our beautiful country. In Guyana, the good health of our citizens is top priority and the Ministry of Health is sparing no effort to ensure that accessibility to our cancer services is widely available.”

She urged that persons utilise measures that are in place at the GPHC, the free mammogram service that is offered, and have annual checkups.

“We are mere human beings and are apprehensive about going to find out but knowledge is power. The ability to act, to seize the moment, to get a lifeline on our health, GTT and its sponsors are making things happen financially. Let us reciprocate by our positive action to them. It is evident that the Ministry of Public Health cannot unilaterally manage this fight… and so the answer lies in our collaborative efforts and our initiatives,” she said.
The company is looking forward to an even bigger success in 2020.