Raymond's letter to the press: : Provide a support network & revive the kampung spirit
I refer to the report, “Terrified women run away when she appears ” (The New Paper, 17 Oct).
Once again, an elderly citizen who lives in isolation and displays signs of bizarre behaviour has ended up in depressing circumstances.
The risk factors for depression and other mental illnesses in the elderly include living alone and having to struggle with bereavement. The old woman who caned women in shorts is probably in this predicament.
We need to reach out to the lonely elderly and those who have chronic illnesses as they are likely to fall into depression when they feel that nobody cares for them.
To enable our seniors to lead more meaningful lives, the Government could put in place a network that can rprovide ongoing support for this group of citizens.
For example, when an elderly citizen passes on, then the Registry of Births and Deaths can tie-up with a relevant government agency to check if any family member is left to live alone.
If this is the case, then the respective Member of Parliament (MP) and his grassroots leaders of his constituency should pay a home visit to this person and offer any assistance that is needed.
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports should revive the Kampung spirit that was very much alive the '50s' and '60s'.
In those days, one can be assured of a helping hand and even the sharing of a bowl of rice, ikan bilis and sambal belachan.
The MPs and mayors should also make sporadic visits to our lonely elderly so that they feel cared for.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Raymond's letter to the press on noise pollution
Raymond's letter to the Press: Forced to move due to noise pollution
Why no control on noise levels?
My letter to the New Paper was published, today, Saturday 17 October 2009, Page 27.
RECENTLY, my wife and I had to leave our flat to find alternative accommodation.
This is because of the noise pollution coming simultaneously from the lift upgrading programme, the building of a child care centre on our void deck, the re-surfacing of the road in front of our block and the noise generated from the chanting of prayers and beating of drums during the Mooncake Festival that went on continuously for a week from morning to 11pm every night.
Why is all this allowed?
How can one have any peace of mind with all this noise pollution?
Patients with mental illness will relapse if they are hounded by excessive noise.
It happened to my wife in 2006.
Also, due to my wife's arthritis that leaves her mobility impaired, I have no choice but to take taxis to ferry her wherever she goes. The 35 per cent surcharge is eating holes in my pockets as I do not have a fulltime job.
I appeal to the authorities to show some compassion for those with diablities.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Why no control on noise levels?
My letter to the New Paper was published, today, Saturday 17 October 2009, Page 27.
RECENTLY, my wife and I had to leave our flat to find alternative accommodation.
This is because of the noise pollution coming simultaneously from the lift upgrading programme, the building of a child care centre on our void deck, the re-surfacing of the road in front of our block and the noise generated from the chanting of prayers and beating of drums during the Mooncake Festival that went on continuously for a week from morning to 11pm every night.
Why is all this allowed?
How can one have any peace of mind with all this noise pollution?
Patients with mental illness will relapse if they are hounded by excessive noise.
It happened to my wife in 2006.
Also, due to my wife's arthritis that leaves her mobility impaired, I have no choice but to take taxis to ferry her wherever she goes. The 35 per cent surcharge is eating holes in my pockets as I do not have a fulltime job.
I appeal to the authorities to show some compassion for those with diablities.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Saturday, October 3, 2009
SHE CAN WRITE A BOOK: Raymond's letter to the New Paper on Ris Low
This letter was published on Saturday 3 October 2009, Page 27
I refer to the report, “More legal woes for Ris?” (The New Paper, 30 Sept).
I am deeply saddened over the manner in which beauty queen Ris Low has been heavily criticised.
Although she has made mistakes in her life, Ris performed well during the run-up to the finals of the Miss Singapore World pageant.
For someone struggling with a bipolar condition or depression, Ris has, in my opinion, performed exceptionally well. She was determined to succeed and she was well behaved.
More importantly, Ris wanted to turn her life around. But she was condenmed so much that she was pressured to give up the crown.
What I find disturbing is this whole episode is that we seem to be breeding a society where people find it so hard to forgive.
The Government has been appealing to the public to give ex-prisoners a second chance in life. Yet, Ris Low was not given a chance when her conviction for a credit card fraud came to light.
Every one of us makes mistakes in life. Rather than put her down we should help Ris rebuild her life bearing in mind what Oprah Winfrey once said: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the Limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the Limo breaks down.”
For a start, I urge companies to sponsor Ris for diction and public speaking courses, so that she will be well positioned to make a sterling comeback.
I have struggled with depression for several years and my wife is recovering from schizophrenia.
But through the wonderful support of many kind-hearted people who walk alongside us, we have charted new directions in life and found our means of living through writing.
Someday, Ris, write your own novel and speak of your own struggles in life.
Equipped with good public speaking skills, you too will be able to chart new directions in life. Who knows, your book might just become a bestseller.
You may have lost the Miss Singapore crown, but you will always be a winner in my eyes.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
I refer to the report, “More legal woes for Ris?” (The New Paper, 30 Sept).
I am deeply saddened over the manner in which beauty queen Ris Low has been heavily criticised.
Although she has made mistakes in her life, Ris performed well during the run-up to the finals of the Miss Singapore World pageant.
For someone struggling with a bipolar condition or depression, Ris has, in my opinion, performed exceptionally well. She was determined to succeed and she was well behaved.
More importantly, Ris wanted to turn her life around. But she was condenmed so much that she was pressured to give up the crown.
What I find disturbing is this whole episode is that we seem to be breeding a society where people find it so hard to forgive.
The Government has been appealing to the public to give ex-prisoners a second chance in life. Yet, Ris Low was not given a chance when her conviction for a credit card fraud came to light.
Every one of us makes mistakes in life. Rather than put her down we should help Ris rebuild her life bearing in mind what Oprah Winfrey once said: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the Limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the Limo breaks down.”
For a start, I urge companies to sponsor Ris for diction and public speaking courses, so that she will be well positioned to make a sterling comeback.
I have struggled with depression for several years and my wife is recovering from schizophrenia.
But through the wonderful support of many kind-hearted people who walk alongside us, we have charted new directions in life and found our means of living through writing.
Someday, Ris, write your own novel and speak of your own struggles in life.
Equipped with good public speaking skills, you too will be able to chart new directions in life. Who knows, your book might just become a bestseller.
You may have lost the Miss Singapore crown, but you will always be a winner in my eyes.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Monday, September 28, 2009
Awards Presented to Raymond Anthony Fernando
Philippines Award
AWWA Model Caregiver Award
Traffic Police Award
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Government and church need to provide better structural support for the mentally ill and their caregivers: Raymond's letter to the Media
This letter was published in advance in the Catholic News on Sunday 27th September 2009.
I am encouraged that the government is asking the church and the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) to do more for the needy (“ Minister urges church to play bigger role in social service”, CN, Sept 13).
Undoubtedly, the mentally ill and their caregivers are in urgent need of support as they are often shunned, isolated and neglected because of the stigma that is associated with mental illness. We need to change mindsets as psychiatric patients are also human. They need love, understanding and support just like anyone else. Above all, they need to live in dignity.
For 15 years I gave up on the Catholic religion as I felt that God had abandoned me as I witnessed how my wife suffered horrifically from the dreaded schizophrenia and depression. Due to the lack of support, I too fell into depression. It was only through the compassion of my parish priest, Father Andrew Wong that brought me back to church. This priest, who continues to support us has transformed my whole life and I will always be indebted to him. Caregivers who do not have a faith will find it extremely difficult to care for a mentally ill family member.
The structural support for psychiatric patients and their caregivers is very weak and needs better support, for there are thousands out there who are suffering in silence. Let us reach out to them so that they can lead more meaningful lives. I am a volunteer with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) where I often share my three decades of experience in loving and caring for my wife.
I am prepared to offer my services to the government and the church to change mindsets and enable the mentally ill and their family members not to give up on life. Together, we should be able to reclaim lives, save lives. For the road ahead for psychiatric patients and their caregivers will always be challenging, always uncertain.
People with mental illness just need one person to love them and with medication, support and understanding, they will recover. Someday, I hope that mental illness will be treated just like any physical illness.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Singapore 560601
I am encouraged that the government is asking the church and the Catholic Welfare Services (CWS) to do more for the needy (“ Minister urges church to play bigger role in social service”, CN, Sept 13).
Undoubtedly, the mentally ill and their caregivers are in urgent need of support as they are often shunned, isolated and neglected because of the stigma that is associated with mental illness. We need to change mindsets as psychiatric patients are also human. They need love, understanding and support just like anyone else. Above all, they need to live in dignity.
For 15 years I gave up on the Catholic religion as I felt that God had abandoned me as I witnessed how my wife suffered horrifically from the dreaded schizophrenia and depression. Due to the lack of support, I too fell into depression. It was only through the compassion of my parish priest, Father Andrew Wong that brought me back to church. This priest, who continues to support us has transformed my whole life and I will always be indebted to him. Caregivers who do not have a faith will find it extremely difficult to care for a mentally ill family member.
The structural support for psychiatric patients and their caregivers is very weak and needs better support, for there are thousands out there who are suffering in silence. Let us reach out to them so that they can lead more meaningful lives. I am a volunteer with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) where I often share my three decades of experience in loving and caring for my wife.
I am prepared to offer my services to the government and the church to change mindsets and enable the mentally ill and their family members not to give up on life. Together, we should be able to reclaim lives, save lives. For the road ahead for psychiatric patients and their caregivers will always be challenging, always uncertain.
People with mental illness just need one person to love them and with medication, support and understanding, they will recover. Someday, I hope that mental illness will be treated just like any physical illness.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Singapore 560601
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Raymond's exciting 2nd novel- JUST RELEASED!
JUST RELEASED & SET TO BECOME ANOTHER BESTSELLER: The Face Behind The Front- Raymond's sequel to his bestseller, “Loving a Schizophrenic”
This true-life story is the continuing story of how Raymond Anthony Fernando is still coping to care and love his wife who has 5 chronic illnesses ( including schizophrenia and severe arthritis), through the love of Jesus. This book is also about how we can pick ourselves up and move on in life despite being confronted with huge challenges in life. Readers will enjoy reading this heartfelt story that will inspire them to stay resilient if and when they are faced with their own struggles in life. Join Raymond on his journey as he takes you through periods of desolation and celebration, triumph and betrayal, love and hate, faith and fate.
This true-life story is the continuing story of how Raymond Anthony Fernando is still coping to care and love his wife who has 5 chronic illnesses ( including schizophrenia and severe arthritis), through the love of Jesus. This book is also about how we can pick ourselves up and move on in life despite being confronted with huge challenges in life. Readers will enjoy reading this heartfelt story that will inspire them to stay resilient if and when they are faced with their own struggles in life. Join Raymond on his journey as he takes you through periods of desolation and celebration, triumph and betrayal, love and hate, faith and fate.
The book, which goes into 248 pages costs $20 has been released on 28th July 2009. Within 8 weeks, all copies of this first print run have been sold!
A reprint has be carried out due to popular demand.
If you wish to order this book, email Raymond at: rafcutie@singnet.com.sg
Don't wait. Order NOW!
Updated on 19th September 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gone, too soon: A tribute to the late Michael Jackson, King of Pop
Dear Michael,
Your music brought joy to millions all over the world
And they include adults, teenagers and children – every boy and girl
When you're on stage, your unique slick dance moves
Has seen everyone put on their dancing shoes
Your music can unite people of all races
Chinese, Indians, Americans and others in different places
Michael, be assured that your music will live on and on
Even though from all of us, you are physically gone
As a young talented teen, I knew you could reach the sky
When I saw you sing along with your siblings as the Jackson 5
Everyone will continue to sing along to your hits
Like “Ben”, “I'll be there” and “Beat it”
Your untimely passing came as a shock
As the world mourns for you, Michael - The King of Pop
And I am deeply saddened to realize in 2009, June
Michael, you are gone... all too soon
Like Elvis Presley, you leave behind a legacy
Your music, your memory, so special
That even the blind can appreciate and can see
And as you are united with the Lord, Michael
The pain you endured will disappear and set your heart and mind free
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
@copyrightraymondfernando8/7/2009
Your music brought joy to millions all over the world
And they include adults, teenagers and children – every boy and girl
When you're on stage, your unique slick dance moves
Has seen everyone put on their dancing shoes
Your music can unite people of all races
Chinese, Indians, Americans and others in different places
Michael, be assured that your music will live on and on
Even though from all of us, you are physically gone
As a young talented teen, I knew you could reach the sky
When I saw you sing along with your siblings as the Jackson 5
Everyone will continue to sing along to your hits
Like “Ben”, “I'll be there” and “Beat it”
Your untimely passing came as a shock
As the world mourns for you, Michael - The King of Pop
And I am deeply saddened to realize in 2009, June
Michael, you are gone... all too soon
Like Elvis Presley, you leave behind a legacy
Your music, your memory, so special
That even the blind can appreciate and can see
And as you are united with the Lord, Michael
The pain you endured will disappear and set your heart and mind free
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
@copyrightraymondfernando8/7/2009
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