While it has been around for some time, Express Guyana recently became a registered organisation and it kicked official proceedings with a forum at the National Cultural Centre which informed students on preventative measures focused on domestic violence, suicide, youth crime, violence and teenage pregnancy.
Last week in collaboration with Guyana Psychological Association, Child Care and Protection Agency and Childlink Guyana the organisation addressed some 400 students in attendance on its core focus of the launch – domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, youth crime and violence and suicide.
To start the proceedings was the rendition of a beautiful version of the National Anthem by an executive member, Ezzie Crandon. Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael also addressed the attendees, shining light on the importance of addressing the issues at hand and her office’s commitment to working with Express Guyana.
The onstage production highlighted daily struggles putting up with social challenges. The first item, a skit titled Guyanese Vendors was dramatized by Chavala Layne, Youlanda Caesar, Kemo Cort, Kayleb Straughn and Oliver Leonard. The narration that followed drove home the importance of maintaining hope amid difficulties. Kemo Cort, Feona Jones, Amanda Reynolds and Oliver Leonard were up next in a skit about domestic violence titled Fed Up, written by Mosa Telford.
The launching also saw Wil Campbell addressing the students on domestic violence. He first asked them if their school bus were to turn up while they were still in the shower if they would think they were ready for school. After many replies of ‘no’ he agreed that they weren’t, but were preparing for school. Using that as an example, he indicated to them that though their hormones may be acting up, they were only in preparation mode when it comes to sex. Once that was understood he went straight into his presentation saying to the boys that their strength was for protection and not destruction. To the girls he insisted that they raise their standards higher and demand respect not forgetting to show the same. In conclusion he said, “We must end violence and it must end with you!”
Leeanna Allen – another executive member of the organisation – performed an original spoken word piece of hers titled “Outgrowing You” to encourage victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse that enough was enough and it was time to move on. After which, Youlanda Caesar did a cover of “Yet Still I Rise” by gospel singer, Yolanda Adams before a ten-minute interval.
The first item of the second narration started with a skit entitled Her Reality written by Mosa Telford addressing teenage pregnancy.
This was followed by a monologue on drug abuse written by Leeanna Allen and performed by Keon Heywood encouraging youths to say no to drugs. The skit portrayed a man almost insane, living on the pavement after choosing a life of drugs and wanting to live the ‘high life’ as his friends had indicated drugs would bring him. What made this dramatization even more real was when Manav ‘Nick’ Boodhoo shared his real life story of struggling with drugs for 20 years and living on the pavement. He appealed to those present to shy away from all harmful drugs and shared that had he not overcome that sort of life he would never have been in the IT field as he is today or even know his ability to do such.
The third and final narration dealt with suicide and reminded the audience that Guyana sadly stands as number one in the world when it comes to this issue. To emphasise better on this, a suicide prevention skit written by Timolyn Barclay titled Lifetime was performed by Kayleb Straughn, Rudolph Daly, Oliver Leonard, Onika Brown and Delecia Daly. Once that was over, a cover of Jessica Reedy’s “Better” was done by Amanda Reynolds and Reit Amsterdam. Jamilah Gasper then shared her powerful testimony on suicide prevention and reiterated the importance of seeking help. To top it off “Break Every Chain” was performed by Music Unlimited before the vote of thanks done by Michelle Charles.
The forum was well received and throughout the students remained silent, eagerly catching every word and act and breaking that silence only to cheer the performances. Of the hundreds present, multiple group discussions were had while 20 students were counselled on challenges such as bullying, suicidal tendencies and others.
