Dear editor,
This letter is intended to thank the Editors of Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, and journalist Indranie Deyal for their support. Indranie Deyal, in particular, wrote a chronological account of my presence in Guyana since my return from Latin America in the late 1970s. Special thanks to my very few friends in Guyana who did not abandon me in my time of need, especially my artist colleague Bernadette Persaud, old friend Hubert Wong, Syeda, Ohene Koama and from the Diaspora, Clairmont Chung, Monsignor Paul Jervis, Esther McIntosh, Errol Brewster, Nanda, my sister Phyllis and brother-in-law Patrick Elias and others who visited my home but would rather not have their names mentioned though I am somewhat surprised that some of my colleagues in the “struggle” never called to find out how I am doing.
One of my compatriots who migrated shortly after Walter Rodney’s assassination, recently said to me by phone that I “just couldn’t walk away like everyone else, what I have benefited, what was the point?” As a creative artist, I firmly believe that art can aid in the transformation of Guyanese society and help to heal the open wounds of the nation by way of a comprehensive understanding of our history and appreciation of our diverse culture and respect for the contributions made by all ethnic groups building our country. I have no regrets having stayed behind.
My situation proved to be more complex and I kept going to physician after physician while my condition worsened. It was only when I met Dr. Martin of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, who recommended an Echo and MRI. The MRI showed that I have a blockage the size of half of a ruler from the neck leading down to the left arm. Surgical intervention was recommended along with hospitalization but there was no guarantee that it would be successful. In the meantime, I am consulting with another physician who is administering a blood thinner and I have to do a weekly blood test. To make a long story short, my condition has not improved; rather it has deteriorated. I now stand to lose my ring finger which has to be amputated. The doctor said the battle is now to save my left arm.
The Moray House will be hosting an exhibition of some of my works in both sculpture and painting categories to help raise funds to cover my medical bills. If I am fortunate I may yet save my arm. The works cover some of the burning issues such as climate change and Guyana’s Post-Colonial History. I am still deep in the woods, so to speak, but I haven’t given up, the same applies to you, the struggle for a unified Guyana goes on. Together we have the power to make our lives better. God bless Guyana and our people.
Sincerely,
Desmond Alli
General Secretary
Guyana United Artists (GUA)