Over the last few months, it was rumored among those in the local music industry that one of its icons, producer Bonny Alves, was unwell. Many speculated as to the form of illness, but neither Alves nor his wife, Charmaine Blackman, provided public confirmation.
During a recent interview with Guyana Standard, Alves said he and his wife needed time to come to grips with all that was happening simultaneously. Alves told Guyana Standard all about the tremendous pain and discomfort he suffered even as he managed to continue working. Giving insight into the extent of his illness, Alves said within three months, he lost 44lbs.
The Guyanese music icon revealed that he is suffering from a bowel obstruction. “I have a Hernia above my navel that I have been battling for months and I believe it has now caused an obstruction in my intestine.”
He said that while battling such a painful illness, he stayed true to his commitment to the art form and worked even when he thought he would not have been able to.
Alves said, “Yes, during the Calypso season, I was struggling with it and prayed that I felt good on the right days so I could function as an arranger; thank God that did happen to some extent, but I was struggling.”
“It has gotten worse from then,” said Alves as he pointed to his extreme weight loss given the time frame. He said, “It’s hard to see me now and not scream at how I look. I am fortunate to be blessed with a very strong wife who God has taught how to fight the odds.”
Alves continued, “It was not easy for her to see me stumbling and groaning in pain and still maintain her composure, smile and do her job professionally for this Mother’s Day special. When it was finished we gave God thanks, embraced each other, and cried.” Alves expressed gratitude to Digicel for sponsorship of that programme and said that the money will go towards medical bills.
The music producer told Guyana Standard that while he is far from attaining full recovery, he has seen improvement in his health and hopes that it continues in that trajectory.
Alves used that opportunity to say a public thank you to all the kind-hearted people who have been there for him during such a turbulent period. These include his sisters Claudette and Linda as well as their husbands Celsus and Orin. Alves also extended thanks to his brother Charles and his wife Elizabeth, niece Althea and her husband John and other nieces Andy and Amanda. He also thanked his nephew Lester Davis.
Further, Alves extended gratitude to his “good buddies” Helell Mcglorie, Milton Henry, Galton Collins, Trickman, Kayisha, Gordon Douglas, Morris Cox, Tyrone Profitt, Junior Richmond, Kennard Copeland, and Promoter Buxton.
Alves also acknowledged his daughters Sheron and Roxanne; sister, Maureen Hope; the Braithwaite Sisters; and many others “who have given of their substance and prayers for my recovery in Jesus name.”
