Outstanding Young Guyanese # 3 NEWtown boy RajeshChintaman lives the dream From humble beginnings in Newtown, Georgetown, Guyana Rajesh Chintaman first worked as photo-journalist with the likes of Mike Norville, Winston Oudkerk and Cullen Bess Nelson at Guyana Chronicle but the fates had a different plan for him. Fifteen years ago he was recruited to help with the creation of a new newspaper in St. Maarten and today after many struggles he has achieved much as a shining example to young-men anywhere in the world. Currently an editor at The Daily Herald a daily newspaper that serves St. Maarten and the Northeastern Caribbean. But that Is just the tip of the iceberg for the animal lover and humanitarian. Rajesh Chintaman Rajesh Chintaman (37) has been involved in HIV/AIDS awareness work in St. Maarten for more than a decade. He transitioned from reporting on the fight against this silent epidemic to the forefront of awareness by volunteering with St. Maarten AIDS Foundation. Today, Chintaman serves on the foundation’s Board of Directors, a voluntary position, to which he dedicates a substantial amount of time each week. His tasks as lead coordinator cover planning and coordinating several of the foundation’s activities, including, but not limited, to regular public rapid HIV Testing Day, counselling people upon receiving their (positive or negative) results and fundraising to keep the foundation afloat. Chintaman, together with AIDS Foundation President Dr. Gerard van Osch, were the initiators of the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation Secretariat. The setting up of this physical office and the hiring of two staff members have taken HIV/AIDS awareness into a higher gear by consolidating planning efforts and programmes. About three years ago, Chintaman was one of the people on the frontline pushing for a structured self-esteem and healthy lifestyle programme for teenaged boys. The need for such a programme was also very acute to balance “Girl Power” – a target programme for high school girls. “Real Talk” emerged after research by Emory University and constant collaboration of AIDS Foundation and Government. Real Talk will enter its second year at the start of the new school year in August. This programme can be considered Chintaman’s signature project. He recruits volunteer facilitators and trains them to conduct the programme what has seen much success in the past year. He also serves as a facilitator of Real Talk. Chintaman carries out his volunteer work with AIDS Foundation in addition to his day job as an editor with The Daily Herald. He is also a founding member and vice president of the Bishop Ellis Foundation for the Poor and Needy, a charity that provides a box of non-perishable foods to more than 300 people. This is also a voluntary position for Chintaman. The foundation is a non-denominational organisation. He is a Paul Harris Fellow. Chosen by the Rotary Club of St. Maarten in October 2014. He received the Elton Jones award “For dedicated and exemplary service/work in the field of HIV/AIDS on St. Maarten in 2012. Rajesh is the recipient of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) Crystal Pineapple for Excellence for 2009/2010. He received it for Outstanding Community Service in the “individuals” category. That aside he is the best friend a guy could have. (By Mondale Smith)
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 01:23:27 +0000
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