Dear Editor,
September 1, 2008, will never be out of my thoughts.
It was on this day that my loving granddaughter Teshanna who would have been beginning her school year, met her death. A death in a most unusual way, which I think should not have taken place. It was reported in the press and I am happy that some of those with a conscience took it very seriously.
However, I am one of those who was surprised by the statements made by the Minister of Education about pit latrines being adequate for this day and age. Remember these statements were printed. I wonder if he ever gave them a second thought.
Santa Rosa is the oldest and biggest Amerindian Mission in Guyana. Yet for one reason or another this mission is being left behind in many ways. Yanawarin, Waramuri and Assakata Primary schools have flush toilets and their school enrolment is much smaller than that of Santa Rosa Primary.
I did mention in an interview some days ago that the surroundings of the Santa Rosa Primary School compound cannot be dug for any more pit latrines. For more that eighty years pits have been dug to accommodate human waste. I would be grateful if the Minister of Education or his Permanent Secretary could visit Santa Rosa and have a first-hand look-see and then argue the point if he doubts me. Please come to Moruca, Mr Baksh.
The primary school children are afraid to go near any pit latrines at the school now, so urgent steps must be taken to improve this situation.
Finally, the De Souza family from Moruca, Santa Rosa, is well known throughout Guyana, in the areas of politics, religion, and culture. One of them, my brother, was a former Minister of Amerindian Affairs. Yet we are left to suffer. Let us live with love and care for each other.
Goodbye Teshanna – we will always love you.
Yours faithfully,
Marco De Souza
Grandfather of Teshanna
