In 1982 Deyonne Primo winged out of the shores of Guyana determined to return some day to serve and enhance the lives of many underprivileged persons in the land of her birth through prayer, counselling and self-help activities.
“I consider myself a case worker,” she said, alluding to the personal fulfilment she finds in helping people who suffer from diseases like HIV and AIDS enjoy a better life. Primo has also fulfilled a life-long goal; working with Sisters helping Sisters, a charity which provides assistance to the underprivileged. She finds ready satisfaction in helping persons who see themselves as down and out, achieve their goals.
Primo recalled that when she first went to the American charity SISTERS at the Renaissance Women’s Shelter in Brooklyn they were counselling women suffering from the highly stigmatising HIV and AIDS. For five weeks, once per week the women assembled to speak their minds about the disease. They were encouraged to talk about how they contracted it and how they cope with it day-by-day. These sessions helped to boost their self esteem and served to reassure them that their lives were still worth living.
They were also a source of encouragement for case workers as they were able to see the women progress from the start to the close of the meetings. The next session was hosted six months later and both counsellors and the women were exhilarated at the progress the group had made. Women who previously acted as though the world was caving in on them had taken positive steps forward; two had even taken steps to pursue studies and today have become certified in their fields. The tutors are particularly pleased when they are greeted by the women on the streets.
Primo also recalled that for as long as she could remember, it had been her desire to pray for people. She said during the sessions at the Shelter the desire was reawakened and she was privileged to pray for and with women who longed for the company of the case workers and who wanted to invite the Creator into their lives. Many tears were shed among the women as those who had previously thought their lives worthless and who had been deceived sought and found divine comfort.
Over the years Primo had made several trips between the US and Guyana and she noted that there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm shown by local women who found themselves in circumstances similar to those in the US. Despite this, she is determined to work with local women to help them to live successfully.
Primo has also started hosting lessons for students below her home. She said many of her students have returned to speak about the positive impact she has made in their lives and as such she engaged the Ministry to ensure that what she is teaching is in keeping with its curriculum.
In the meantime, she continues to work with the Trival Community Development Group as they take steps to enhance Festival City, South Georgetown. There are drains to be dug, streets to be repaired and playfields to be weeded in the community. As regard this, Primo is loud in her praise of Deputy Mayor Robert Williams, the Leo Club in the area, Johnny P Supermarket and several other businessmen and women who have contributed. She is also inviting the public to contribute cash or kind to the efforts, adding that they should not hesitate to give their labour.
