CHRISTMAS is different for all of us. For those with plenty, it can be a time of extravagance, filled with fancy gifts and an abundance of food. But not everyone is so lucky. Tucked away in several forgotten corners of our country, there are many persons who often times observe this festive season with the little that they have, yet, they have no choice but to make the best of it.

Last year we visited the John Fernandes Housing Scheme and got a taste of what Christmas is like for residents there. This year, we show you what Christmas is like for a handful of residents living in a makeshift settlement at Lombard and Broad Streets, Georgetown.

Christmas for these residents, is just like any other day. That is, it is all about the ‘hustle’ but it is also a time when they come together to share food and drinks.

According to Henry Collins, much people don’t pay attention to the folks living in the ‘ghetto’ but they do get by since most of them are gainfully employed as construction workers, tradesmen, stevedores and other professions.

Henry has resided at this location since he was 15 years old when he lived with his grandmother. Life for him hasn’t been easy but he admits that he has to ‘hustle’. Henry said that Christmas time is the best time for him because it is the season to be jolly and it is all about sharing and making merry in their simple ways.

He stated that though they live in the ‘ghetto’ they can still have a good time and during their celebrations, everybody would bring a bottle of something to drink and whatever food is prepared would be shared.

The 42-year-old added that once there is food and drinks everything is ‘nice’ and that is what they have around the festive season but in that small area which is made up of mostly makeshift houses it is like a ‘party’.

“We make do with whatever we have. The adults are always working to get an extra dollar to spend for the holidays and this year it would be no different since they need to ensure things are on the table,” Henry said.

He related that some folks were allocated land elsewhere and with the New Year they would be relocating to other areas but for him, he will see what 2018 brings.

Collins stated that the ‘ghetto’ is nice to live once you work and at Christmas, it is like one big party with disco lights, music and plenty to eat and drink.

Meanwhile, Shian George has been living at the spot for the past 17 years and for her it is ‘home’ but she wants to enhance her life mostly for her three children. She is hoping to be relocated to her new house in 2018.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that at Christmas she cleans and decorates her little house just like everyone else, bakes and cooks as normal and tries to bring smiles to the faces of her children.

The 33-year-old mother added that during the festive season some kind-hearted citizens usually distribute toys to the children in the area. “At Christmas, it is not bad or good it is just the same except it brings togetherness and we try to have a ‘good time’ in this community,” she said.

Ashana Nester will be making pepperpot for her son who related to her that he would like to have a lot of toys. And even though she may not have a Christmas tree this year, she will gift-wrap his toys and put it in the stove where he can find it on Christmas.

The 19-year-old mother said this year they will celebrate Christmas just like any other village where there is love and unity among the people because they share whatever is prepared.

She too, is hoping to relocate to Mocha/Arcadia where she will move into her new house sometime in 2018.

Another resident, Nakada Thomas told the Pepperpot Magazine that she doesn’t really like Christmas but she will be spending the holidays at her in-laws place this year where she is sure there will be food and drinks to observe the occasion. She noted that this Christmas her house will be clean, decorated and illuminated with fairy lights as it is every year.

The area houses more than 50 residents, some of whom will be relocated to other areas across the country in 2018 through a housing drive initiated by the Ministry of Housing.

This was the same area which suffered a massive fire on August 17, 2011, which rendered several persons homeless. It was chaos when the blaze erupted at Lots 17, 18 and 19 Broad and Lombard Streets and ripped through several of the makeshift wooden houses (shacks).

Reports are that shortly before 07:00hrs a resident identified as “Phillip” or “Chicken Chest” began breaking down parts of one of the houses.

This was apparently in response to the planned demolition of the structures there by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). The Council had planned to demolish the structures on the same day.

It was reported that minutes after the man had commenced his breaking down one of the houses, persons began to smell burnt wood and noticed a fire coming from one of the other houses.

Persons in neighbouring apartments began to panic as the fire quickly took over the bottom flat of the house and quickly ripped through several edifices.