Latest update January 22nd, 2025 3:40 AM
Jun 27, 2015 Letters
DEAR EDITOR,
I was pleased to read that the Guyana Epilepsy Foundation will attempt to change public attitudes towards epilepsy by expanding awareness. It is true that many Guyanese (but not only Guyanese) still hold archaic attitudes towards the neurological condition.
I myself suffer from epilepsy (detected in 2006 while teaching in class, the location of my first “grand mal” seizure). Although I am open and frank about its form and impact on my life, like others I have had to navigate the stigma and awkward reactions to the condition that many in Guyana still view as “fits” and the mostly negative implications that go along with the term.
I remember quite distinctly while in the third form at Central High School in the 1970s a teacher, Mr “Slabby” Phillips, who suffered from epilepsy. As schoolboys we would laugh when Mr Phillips suffered a seizure (“fits” to us) although the symptoms would dissipate after a few moments. In spite of his condition, we respected this pleasant and capable teacher, we assumed however, he had a mental health problem. Nothing could be further from the truth, and looking back at the time I am embarrassed at our reaction to his ailment.
Unfortunately, time and science have not fundamentally changed public perceptions of epilepsy in Guyana or elsewhere. Epilepsy differs from person to person in intensity and duration, but should be treated humanely and with understanding. The Foundation, in expanding its work and collaborating with others is on the right track in facilitating public awareness of the condition.
It is past time that epilepsy (and for that matter cancer and Down syndrome and other illnesses and conditions) is demystified.
Nigel Westmaas
Jan 22, 2025
SportsMax – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr. Kishore Shallow has emphasized that a special meeting scheduled for next month represents a critical opportunity for the Barbados Cricket...Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The government’s decision to go ahead with the universal healthcare voucher scheme is... more
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]