One of the things we keep hearing about is the gap between the hinterland and the coastland, and aiding to bridge that gap has resulted in Dr Narash Torres paying a hefty price. Dr Torres came into the limelight when reports surfaced in the media of him calling for help for the residents of Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini).
Baramita is a small village located in the Barima-Waini region some 20 miles west of Matthews Ridge. It is one of the most populated Amerindian settlements in Guyana, but it is being plagued by a number of issues. Dr Torres was posted there a few weeks ago as part of his one-year hinterland stint and was quite surprised by the level of care afforded to his fellow Guyanese citizens.
Torres, a 26-year-old resident from Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), says from a young age he was always taught to do his best to bridge the gap and show just what the hinterland was capable of. He started his education at the Annai Primary School and then went on to the Annai Secondary School, where he completed his secondary education.
“I grew up in a humble home with my mother, stepfather and brothers and sisters. I was always taught to do what is right and give respect to people. Watching my mother while growing up is what influenced me to give a voice and ensure that eve
rybody had access to the same things,” he said.
Dr Torres’s mother is the Head Teacher of the Annai Primary School and education was always at the forefront of their upbringing. He said growing up in a remote village opened his eyes to the disparity between the coast and hinterland and when he entered the medical profession, he vowed to do his best to end that disparity.
Dr Torres would have gained his medical education through the Scholarship Agreement between the Cuba and Guyana. He describes the six years spent in Cuba as an eye-opening experience. He was exposed to different cultures as well as solutions to some of Guyana’s issues.
“Cuba was a great experience and when I returned here in 2016, I was already in helping mode. I completed my internship and 18 months’ rotation at the Suddie Hospital and then was transferred to Baramita for my hinterland assignment.”
According to a study titled “Impact of Mining: Survival Strategies for Interior Communities in Guyana”, conducted by the Guyana Human Rights Association, Baramita has many social ills, and very little is being done to address them. The study indicated that girls as young as 14 were being raped, forcing them to adopt measures to protect themselves.
Dr Torres said he met that exact situation when he was transferred to the Baramita Health Post. He would have requested emergency assistance from the Regional Health Authorities and according to him they are currently working collaboratively to tackle those issues.
“I never had any intention to leave the country and I wanted to help people. I want to ensure that the poor people get access to proper education and try to bridge that gap between the hinterland and the coastland. I know it is hard but that is what I want to do. I want to give back to my people.”
When asked how he intends to give back and bridge the gap, Dr Torres says he plans to improve the primary health-care sector.
“Once the primary health-care sector is functioning then we will have a better system. The hospitals won’t be flooded with patients. For now I educate the residents on how to eat healthy and stay healthy so we won’t have disease outbreaks.” (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
