THE first six babies that were born at the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday were honoured at a ceremony to mark the world’s 7 billion people by officials of the hospital and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Alicia Hamer, a 20-year-old mother, gave birth to her second child, the first to be delivered at the hospital yesterday, as yet the first for Guyana at around ten minutes to two yesterday morning, on the day the world is celebrating its population of 7 billion.

The other five mothers that were honoured at the hospital included Florien Emmanuel, who gave birth at around 3:30 am yesterday morning, Lorrel Hinds at 4:20 am; Shevon Bobb, at around 5:55am; Zalima Jawahir, around 5:16am; and Yolanda Hardin, before 6.00 a.m.
Speaking at the event, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, Shamdeo Persaud, said that this is indeed a special day since the babies are very significant at a time when the world is expanding.

He said that even while six babies alone are being honoured, each baby that was born on the day is special to the people of Guyana and the world at large.

He urged that people work in togetherness, joining forces and skills to make a better place for the next generation, since the future is highly dependent on their survival.

Additionally he praised the nurses and health care workers for the good job that they have been doing throughout the years, noting that it is not an easy task, given the responsibilities that come with the job.

Speaking on behalf of the UNFPA, Assistant Representative Patrice La Fleur said that it is a remarkable task in acknowledging the new lives that have been brought into the world on a day like this, when there is an international celebration for its people.

La Fleur announced that the UNFPA will be working towards the continued development of the people whether young or old.
“This morning we launched a report on the state of the world’s population, and we spoke to the challenges that come with it…we spoke about food security…
also measures to deal with the aging population, since people are living longer ,” she announced.

She said that the UNFPA pledges to work with the Health Ministry to help give the upcoming generation the lives they deserve.

This milestone is an occasion to recognize and celebrate our common humanity and diversity. Ensuring the well-being of current and future generations will require unprecedented global cooperation.