PPP urges in Christmas message to nation…

Let’s celebrate, but remember the needy!
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends Christmas Greetings to all Guyanese, in particular our Christian brothers and sisters, on the festive season of Christmas, which is a festival to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.Christmas has evolved over the centuries into a national institution which has transcended the boundaries of race and nationalities; it is a time when peoples across the globe look out for each other, and extend a hand of friendship to families and friends and those in need.
The PPP takes this opportunity to remind Guyanese not to lose sight of the core values of peace, humility and compassion, even as we celebrate this auspicious occasion of Christmas.
This Christmas is being observed at a time when the country is confronted with severe challenges to our democracy by Opposition forces who seem determined to turn back the wheels of progress and prosperity.
The PPP is however confident that this spirit of peace and goodwill which characterises this season of the year will serve to further propel this country of ours to a brighter future where all Guyanese will be able to realise their potential, and contribute fully to the task of nation building.
Once again, a Happy Christmas to one and all.

Christmas is a time of hope for a brighter future

– AFC
CHRISTMAS is a time that holds great meaning. For Guyanese, it is that time of the year when we come together to share gifts and well-wishes, re-kindle relationships and form new friendships, all in the spirit of goodwill.
As we celebrate and relish the joys of this season, let us spare a thought for those whose season is overshadowed by grief and despair; those who lost a parent, sibling or other loved one due to domestic violence, a speeding or drunk motorist or whose grief was brought about by the suicide of a loved one. Let us spare a thought for those who lost personal belongings, or whose livelihood was affected by the recent floods. Let us remember in our hearts and prayers the many persons who are battling cancer. Say a prayer for the less fortunate, especially the children who did not get a toy or new clothes this season; things that many take for granted.
This Christmas season, let us reflect on the enduring message of Christmas; that of hope. It is with hope of a brighter future that we find the strength and courage to face the many challenges that confront us each day.
May the hope for a brighter future fill our hearts this Christmas season, and may we share that joy with all.
Season’s Greetings from the Alliance For Change.

GAWU’s Christmas message…

Here’s hoping for a better tomorrow, elections or not
IT is repeated every December: The Christian Festival and Season of Christmas now tends to envelope all of Guyana’s peoples in its celebrations, in some form or the other. This does not happen in other societies where Christians might be in a minority, where there is intolerance; or where there is continuous conflict.
In Guyana, however, the universal messages of hope, sharing, charity and the joy humans need are easy to embrace. Additionally, Christmas precedes and includes the dawning of a new calendar year, according to the western counting of time; and a new year always signals hope and new beginnings. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the Christian community and all Guyana in the celebration of Christmas 2014. The Union’s thousands of members comprise a significant proportion of Guyana’s workforce; they all use this season to be family-oriented, to be generous and, in the case of devout Christians, to relive the story of the birth of their Messiah, Jesus.
The Guyanese people always yearn for those behaviours to inform their leaders’ actions. Recent evidence emanating from the political leaders does not persuade us that positive co-operation, putting Guyana first, is imminent. What a pity for a people who collectively join Christians in one aspect of positive harmony!
It is GAWU’s hope that impending elections, sometime in 2015, will not sully the national fabric any further. Campaigning can be civil, dealing with issues and programmes, rather than personalities and assassination of character. GAWU looks on the brighter side of the new year 2015 as we all, as one people, enjoy Christmas 2014.

GTUC says..

This is an opportune time to reflect on Christ’s philosophy
THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), in joining the world to celebrate the birth of the Christian Messiah, calls on all to put His philosophy into practice.
GTUC particularly calls on the Government to give up the condemned and rejected practices of Caesars of old and live up to the good and peaceful expectations represented in this Season of Hope and Love for all Mankind. For the time is now to respect the laws and institutions of State which are founded on teachings of equality and justice, amplified in the life of Christ.
In recognition of the life of Christ, this is an opportune moment to recall the values He detailed during his time on earth, which continue to impact the world over. His was a sojourn among humankind, marked by revolutionary thinking and actions. His was the teaching and practice to create a New World Order, where justice and fair-play would reign supreme. And to this end, He set about the task of calling attention to societal injustices and inequalities, challenging the status quo and entrenched thinking.
He taught and led by example; as the Holy Book recounts, His teachings on humility, equality, economic fairplay and universal approach of attending to and dispensing justice. His philosophy that good relations/administration/governance be underpinned with compassion and respect for the voice of the ordinary man and dispossessed remains relevant.
His was a teaching that toppled the notion and practice that might is right as He advocated the value for all to be held to the standards and play by the same rules, be they titled or commoner. In that He crusade the earth and dwelled among the Scribes and Pharisees, rank and file, Jews, Gentiles and all, preaching and practicing Oneness based on universal value as essential to peace, justice and goodwill, when enforced, still serve Mankind well today.
Further, that He was forthright in His condemnation and rejection of a corrupt system of government that fleeced and abused the masses, which was also present in religion and resulted in the Cleansing of the Temple, where He overturned the money changers’ tables and dove sellers’ benches, bear testimony of leadership by example and teaching through practice (Matthews 21:12 NIV).
In that the philosophy of Christ, 2014 years later continues to shape modern civilisation as seen in established laws and institutions, local and international, which when obeyed ensure equity and justice among humankind, is testimony to its potency.
The GTUC therefore calls on the believers in Christ’s doctrine to reassert themselves and spread these fundamental tenets of good life and governance in a new and progressive wave of liberation theology.
As He admonishes, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” (John 14:23 NIV). The GTUC is prepared to stand with all Guyanese to embrace these fine qualities to make Guyana a better place for all.

Message from GPSU…

LET’S REMEMBER THE LESS FORTUNATE – as we celebrate with our families
TRADITIONALLY, Christmas arouses that spirit of goodwill in people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or culture. It is that season of love, sharing and festivities that are intended to contribute to an environment of joy and happiness reducing tension and conflict and encouraging more pleasant and harmonious relationship which manifests itself in a spirit of generosity, caring, compromising, giving and sincerity in expressions for best wishes.
Unfortunately, in Guyana, for some time now, citizens generally, and more especially workers in the Public Service have been repeatedly maneuvered to act in conflict with the previous wonderful experiences that they have enjoyed during this time. This undesirable situation has been the deliberate and mischievous product of an uncaring government and employer with contempt for public service workers, regardless of the fact that they have faithfully and efficiently carried out their duties.
Even as we enjoy the little that we have, I urge you to spare a thought for the persons in our society who are less fortunate, and endeavor to continue the struggle for a united, prosperous Guyana.
Peace, Goodwill, Happiness and a Merry Christmas to all.

IAC advises…

Celebrate, but do so with caution!
THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) wishes to send Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day Greetings to all Guyanese, especially those who are adherents of Christianity.
The IAC recognises that hundreds of millions of persons across the globe venerate Jesus Christ, a Jewish carpenter and member of the local working-class, and preacher who was one of many teachers throughout history who brought the message of peace, unity and brotherhood among all peoples regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, class and whose birthday is traditionally celebrated on Christmas Day.
The IAC also recognises the historical tradition of Jesus Christ being venerated as the prophet Isa by adherents of Islam, and Shri Yesu Bhagwan by adherents of Sanatan Dharm.
The IAC recognises that Christmas in Guyana has been celebrated since the advent of colonisation of this land by the Dutch in the early 1600s. The IAC also recognises that these holidays are marked by excessive consumption of alcohol, and therefore is calling upon all Guyanese who imbibe to do so with caution, and to maintain appropriate and acceptable behaviour while obeying the laws of Guyana, especially while driving on the roadways.
The IAC wishes all Guyanese a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!