–to include elderly
IT HAS been the custom for approximately the past ten years; and yesterday, a Christmas party for children was held in honour of the late Presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan, at their former home, now converted into a Heritage Home, at Belvoir Court, Bel Air, Greater Georgetown.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, gracing the occasion with his presence, mingled with the kids, as did Chairman of the Bel Air/Prashad Nagar People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Group, Colin Croal.
Croal, to be installed sometime this week as the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, told the Chronicle that the party was in memory of the fact that Mrs. Jagan loved children.
The Christmas Party each year has been the brainchild of Mrs. Jagan who, in the past, attended and even read stories to the children.
“Since she passed away in 2009, we sought to ensure that her legacy lives on, and we do this in memory of her,” Croal explained.
He observed that the party was once small, but has grown to the point where there is hardly any free space in the compound.
The intention is to keep a bigger party next year, Croal pointed out, since the elderly will be included in the celebration.
Yesterday’s party saw attendance of children from Bel Air, North Sophia and Liliendaal, among many other areas. They were each treated to snacks, food, drinks, ice cream and a gift from Santa Claus himself.
Funding for the event comes from many private and small donors, and many persons volunteered to help, thus contributing to the success of the initiative.