Latest update October 3rd, 2024 6:08 PM
Aug 12, 2012 News
By Gary Eleazar
Death of a loved one is never an easy thing for any family to come to grips with, but at least one woman has learnt to transform this tormenting anguish into an annual and most rewarding memorial tribute.
Each year Mrs. Lorraine Parvatan, would, on the death anniversary of her husband, the late Magistrate Oscar Parvatan, extend a helping hand to a cause she feels passionately about.
The impoverished “Plastic City” has over the years come to hold a special place for Mrs. Parvatan, ever since she read of the plight of its dwellers (especially the children) via the Kaieteur News.
Mrs. Parvatan has made it a solemn duty to at least ‘fête’ the children in this settlement and share some much needed goodies, annually.
Mrs. Parvatan took the tradition to another level when she visited “Plastic City” last week. This time she included the memory of her late brother Fenton Singh.
‘Fenton’s Fête Time’ was scheduled for mid-afternoon and as she trekked into Plastic City she wondered if there had been any development since her previous visit.
“I wonder,” she asked, as we made our way along a recently resurfaced loam road.
But we were still a little distance from Plastic City.
The small gathering on each occasion would take place just at the entrance of this
depressed community where the “The Rock” disco serves as a staple.
Within a few minutes the team had settled in, all ready for the young ones.
A tantalizing “curried chicken” aroma permeated the atmosphere with a loud splash of dhal.
I was later told that this was a special request by the children.
There were cakes, sweet meats, ice-cream and loads of goodies.
Mrs. Parvatan was always sure to remember to walk with a few books, toys and some clothing.
There was singing, as the young lads within minutes transformed the venue into a festive atmosphere and various melodic verses and rhymes were belted out.
“This is the day that the Lord has made….Its bubbling in my soul….Love in the Holy Ghost” and “Jesus loves the little children,” were but some of the songs, even the toddlers were gleefully singing along to.
Mrs. Parvatan would usually take along family members to assist in what has become a family tradition.
This time around the team, including Mrs. Parvatan’s mother Bissoondai, sister
Susan and a cousin, with their spouses and eight-year-old nephew Vipraal Budhram, managed to blossom scores of precious smiles as the youths of ‘Plastic City’ expressed their appreciation for the gesture.
According to Mrs. Parvatan, the family decided that the best way to remember Fenton, would be to treat the children as against having a memorial replete with just speeches.
“He would prefer this,” she remarked.
Not much is known about “Plastic City” despite the fact that it is nestled away at a location among the mangroves in Vreed-en-Hoop, literally on the foreshore where they manage to eke out a living.
Yesterday Mrs. Parvatan and family made their way to the Red Cross’ Convalescent Home where they continued with her tradition of remembering fallen family members.
Dozens of children were again gleefully surprised as they completed their meal and were met with a variety of toys and goodies.
October 1st turn off your lights to bring about a change!
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