U.S. Ambassador helps spread cheer at annual event

THE annual Dharm Shala Children’s Christmas party, held to entertain the children of Albouystown and Charlestown, was hosted on December 12, 2019, at its place of operation on Sussex Street, Albouystown.

Specially invited guests to the event included United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah- Ann Lynch and members of the private sector including Edward Boyer, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Gerry Gouveia, along with Father Christmas (Santa Claus) and one of his elves.

During today’s celebration the children could have been seen swaying to the sweet sounds of steelpan music, singing and laughing, enjoying Christmas carols and a whole host of other festive activities

In brief remarks to the children at the party, Ambassador Lynch extended holiday greetings. “I understand this is a very strong tradition that you have this celebration here every year and I can’t think of a better way for me to celebrate my first Christmas in Guyana, and I am thrilled to celebrate Christmas with all of you. It is always a joy to be able to put a smile on the face of children, especially at the holidays, and I commend this effort by the Dharm Shala.”

Almost 100 children were entertained with food, drinks and treats and were presented with wrapped gifts and goodie bags, while they were treated to Christmas carols being played sweetly on the steel pan.

The annual children’s Christmas party at the Dharma Shala was started in the late 1940s by Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj and was later continued by the late Harry Ramsaroop, “because he felt it was a wonderful thing to entertain the deprived children in the neighbourhood.”
The Dharm Shala is an institution that assists homeless persons and the less fortunate with food and shelter. It is managed by the Ramsaroop Family year round and is totally dependent on donations from individuals and firms.