Kashif and Shanghai tourney takes aim at AIDS
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
November 25, 2003
Regional Chairman of Region Ten Mortimer Mingo (standing) delivers the feature address at the launching of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament in Linden Saturday evening.
AIDS awareness took a front seat during the launch of the 14th annual Kashif and Shanghai football competition as organisers seek to assist in the drive to awaken the nation to the seriousness of the disease.
Laced with AIDS-awareness overtones the launching, staged at the Linden Market Square on Saturday night, was highlighted by a feature address given by Region Ten Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo, who announced that one in every 14 persons in the region was infected.
Mingo said he was well aware of the seriousness of the pandemic for the country and more so in Region Ten. "I have been informed that the rate of infection in Region Ten alone of HIV/AIDS is one in every 14 persons."
He said that the figure warranted the declaration of a state of emergency in the region.
"It has to do with the very survival of our people. Every day we are losing our people to the dreaded infection. I wish to say that this situation must be reversed. The powers lie within us. I know that we are responsible people, however, we need to exercise more responsibility for our lives. Therefore the work of the Linden Care Foundation could never be over emphasised."
Reiterating that the disease did not discriminate, Mingo called for all to spread the word.
He was high in praise for the organisers of the tournament who he said had seen it fit to include the issue of AIDS in a sporting event of that magnitude.
"I sincerely applaud the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation for taking this bold and imaginative initiative to incorporate the Linden Care Foundation to bring about an awareness to our people as it relates to HIV/AIDS. Joining forces with the Linden Care Foundation is the next great step that you have taken. The first step was staging this competition."
He added that the tournament had become a significant part of the lives of people in Region Ten. The launch this year moved away from the traditional practice and included several skits and dances including skits and dances by Artistes in Direct Support (AIDS).
In an invited comment, Kashif and Shanghai director, Kashif Muhammad said that much emphasis was placed on making the launch more of an event. "We know that this is something that can become very big and spectacular as the years go on. It was very simple and very informal up to last year. We envisage that in years to come the launching will be something that will benefit the business community in Linden."