Following the publication of the August 13, 2023 story titled, “The act of brotherly love” in the Guyana Chronicle, almost one year later, the Pepperpot Magazine decided to check in on Savita Ramchand, who has been bedridden since birth due to brain damage and her lone caregiver, her brother, Kishan Ramchand.

According to Kishan, since the publication of their story, an overseas-based Guyanese read it and was moved to tears and felt compelled to do something for these siblings. The donor was especially pleased with Kishan’s never-ending dedication and love for his sibling, who is completely dependent on him.

He related that their living conditions have significantly improved due to the unnamed donor’s contribution. They have a spanking new washroom facility in the form of a modern toilet and bathroom, which are fully tiled with ceilings and a brand-new cupboard for the sink.

Kishan reported that he and his sister would like to thank the donor and are very pleased with the support. He added that the washroom facilities are updated with all amenities, and it is indoors, making it very convenient for them to utilise. Kishan explained that he had a sink, but no kitchen cupboard and that too was added, and he is making full use of it.

In addition, he told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has also received donations of disposable pampers for his sister from several persons and organisations and he is very grateful since it saved him from buying.

Finding the perfect job
However, for the past few weeks, Kishan has been unable to work. He is getting employment but far from his home. He cannot go very far from home since he uses his bicycle to go home during lunchtime to take care of his sister, including changing pampers and feeding her lunch before returning to work. Kishan is a construction worker and is currently trying to gain employment close to his home so he can multi-task and his sister can receive the care she needs.

The 32-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that after his mother passed away five years ago, he was automatically tasked with caring for his sister, Savita, 33.

“Once I can work, things will be alright. Whatever little I can do, I will provide for myself and sister and I am very happy about the help we got though it assisted me significantly and I am thankful,” he said.

Kishan and his ailing sister reside at a family-owned house in Groenveldt, West Coast Demerara, where they have a small apartment. Despite the challenges of caring for his sister and working, Kishan said he has been successful in managing all chores and meal preparations daily.

He explained that since birth, his mother took care of her, being the firstborn before she passed away. She did everything possible to make life a little better for Savita, and before she died, she made him promise to take care of his sister, so he wants to honour that responsibility bestowed upon him.

Kishan said he is taking his responsibility seriously, and even now, he has not opted to get married or date.

“I want to be able to take care of my sister to the last and perhaps then I will decide what I can do with my life,” he said.
Being mentally and physically challenged, Savita cannot walk or talk and is bedridden, unable to do anything for herself.

Kishan reported that his sister’s diet is unlike his, and he has to ensure she gets the proper nutrition required for optimum health.
Meal prepping and feeding takes time since all foods have to be liquids or in a paste form because Savita doesn’t chew, only swallows, and spoon-feeding is a time-consuming task.
“It’s not easy, but I am trying to do my best and being solo is hard. I have to get up early and start my day. There are no day-offs or anything like that,” he said.

Kishan’s father died in 2000, and he has two brothers with the same father but different mothers and they do not share very close relations, and as such, he doesn’t have any family support for his sister.

He related that due to his sister’s inability to walk or move, her health has deteriorated over the years, and she is wasting away just ‘skin and bones’. Although she is as an adult, her body size is that of a child and deformed.

When Savita isn’t in bed, she is in her wheelchair.

Kishan disclosed that the only financial support he gets is the monthly public assistance of $19,000 for his sister, but it dissolves quickly due to rising costs for food items and other things.