“Awareness with action can lead to cure,” says UK High Commissioner

…as GCF hosts tree-wrapping ceremony

In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF) on Friday observed its annual Tree Wrapping Ceremony along Main Street, Georgetown.
For two decades, the event has served as a visual and symbolic reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, and community support in the fight against breast cancer. Pink ribbons wrapped around trees now transform the cityscape into a testament to resilience, hope, and awareness.
Among the attendees was British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, who emphasised the life-saving impact of early detection. She noted that timely identification of cancer not only improves treatment outcomes but also safeguards families and communities.
“It means your treatment will be less aggressive. It means that the treatment can be provided on time. It means that people can survive. And it’s so important, not only for the individual, but also for the family and for communities.”
Ambassador Miller highlighted the broader significance of the event as a public reminder.
“Throughout the month of October, as we come through Main Street, this becomes a reminder. It touches us. It reminds us not only of remembering for ourselves but also our families and our communities.”
Reflecting on her years of involvement with the ceremony, she praised the dedication of organisers and participants.
“… I’d like to say a huge congratulations… also for all the people here. You’ve become my friends over the years… every single year I’ve been to this event. And I think it’s important because you are there for one another. You’re there to support one another.”

She went on to underscore the holistic nature of cancer care.
“Cancer is more than requiring just treatment. It’s also about a family and a community, and it’s a support structure. It’s more than just the medicine. It’s also the psychology and the help, the friendship, and the kindness that you want to provide for one another.”
The High Commissioner also stressed the need for continued focus on breast cancer screening, treatment, and research.
“In the month of October, we particularly think about breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in the UK, and I believe here also in Guyana. But one in five of all cancers is breast cancer. And now we know that we can detect it so early. So early detection saves lives. Yes, we should be self-examining. Yes, we should also be going for the mammograms. There is great treatment available these days. I’m also a huge supporter of research. We should be understanding new treatments and new ways in which we can have early detection but also treatment.”
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, emphasised that the Tree Wrapping Ceremony is more than just a symbolic decoration; it is a reminder of resilience, unity, and hope.
“[To all cancer patients and survivors] we want you to know that we will be with you every single day. This [ceremony] is not merely about decoration – it’s about sending a powerful message of unity and hope and remembrance.”
Minister Jacobs reflected on the struggles faced by survivors and their loved ones, highlighting the global impact of cancer.
“Our survivors would remember what they went through and what their families went through. This is a global challenge that touches every single home and community. We hear you, and we have you in mind.”
He also urged the public to maintain compassion and awareness, stressing the deeper purpose behind the ceremony.
“It’s important that we recommit ourselves to show compassion to cancer survivors and remember the persons that have passed. I want us to remember why we are wrapping these trees – to honour and remember every single soul that left us.”
Meanwhile, Kayla King, Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of community and collective advocacy. She emphasised this year’s theme, “Empower, Eradicate, Educate”.
“I count it a privilege being here to stand in solidarity with you all for this very important cause. This year’s theme is Empower, Eradicate, Educate. And the month of October is recognised globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And I think that this in itself is a call to action that reminds us that it’s important to have more conversations surrounding early detection, treatment, and long-term support.”
Kayla also commended attendees for their presence, noting the power of community strength.
“But before I go any further, I must commend everyone for being here today because your presence represents something incredibly powerful. And that is how strong we can really be when we stand together as a community. And I believe that it’s this kind of strength that empowers survivors, and it’s this strength that will one day lead us to a cure for future generations of women to come.”
She urged the public to extend their advocacy beyond October and make it a year-round commitment.