Dear Editor,
The Guyana Government is spending $6.9 million to double the earnings made by some 89 local artistes in the One Guyana Concert during this year’s Cricket Carnival at the National Stadium, Providence. Now no one can fault this but does it not also provide a great opportunity for the government to get these artistes engaged as spokespersons and advocates for a range of issues, especially mental health related? To date only a handful of local artistes have publicly and continuously been associated with awareness, sensitization, advocacy and prevention of suicide, domestic violence, sexual abuse, animal abuse, environmental conservation, child abuse, substance abuse, mental health stigmas and myths, for example.
The Caribbean Voice can point to Roger Hinds, one of our spokespersons, who has produced anti-suicide and domestic violence songs, participates in our concerts for hope, (the next one coming up on Saturday, November 26, 6-9 pm, New York City time, zoom to Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/245209622345879), advocates for the causes we focus on and has donated his talent to a host of related events and activities. In the Diaspora, Terry Gajraj, Satish Udairam, Paul Hawker aka Pablo G, George ‘Jah’ Dover, Andrew Joseph aka MC Drew, all Guyanese performers, are also spokespersons for The Caribbean Voice and have been actively involved in our work. Similarly involved are Garfield Maclean aka GMac (Jamaica) and Natty Ramotar (Florida via Trinidad & Tobago). While not a TCV spokesperson Charmaine Blackman has also been highly supportive and is involved locally in related advocacy as are a bunch of artistes in the Diaspora – singers, dancers, spoken word performers, and drummers.
The Caribbean Voice urges President Ali to seize this opportunity to bring all 89 local artistes into this process that would see them being spokespersons and advocates for these kinds of causes or whatever other cause they may be desirous of being involved with. Artistes have tremendous influence following every which way, and their involvement can help change positively attitudes and behaviour, as well as persuade far greater numbers of people to actively get involved as part of the solution and redress.
Sincerely,
Annan Boodram
The Caribbean Voice
