Elaine Mc Neal entertains hundreds of children again
HUNDREDS of children within the Buxton/Friendship neighbourhood, on Saturday afternoon, braved inclement weather to be part of the jolly bunch attending the annual ‘Elaine Mc Neal Annual Kids’ Christmas Party’. It was held at her residence, Friendship, East Coast Demerara and was, indeed, a success.
At 88, ‘Cousin Elaine’ as she is fondly called, is a loved and well-respected Buxtonian mother, who lived in the United States for about 27 years and has been hosting the much appreciated entertainment for children ever since remigrating to Guyana in 1994.
Even though she has only one son, Mr. Odinga Lumumba, Presidential Adviser on Empowerment, who continues to team up with her to make each of the occasions a resounding success, Aunt Elaine, with a huge heart of love, has never ceased to open up her doors to children in need.
Her home has, evidently, become literally a household name in Buxton/Friendship.
And so, last Saturday, despite the heavy downpour experienced earlier in the day, by mid-afternoon, Aunt Elaine’s home was abuzz with activities once more and filled with fun and gay chatter, as the excited and smartly attired boys and girls descended on the lawns, play park and filling the lower flat of her house.
There was fun galore, lots of games, including merry-go-round and the children guests had lots to eat and drink. Additionally, every one of them was presented with a toy or some other valuable Christmas gift.
Meanwhile, the gathering was delightfully entertained by other talented youths of the community who treated them to rich steelpan music, from the sounds of the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra. The 18-piece was a gift from former President Bharrat Jagdeo and the members of the band are students of the Buxton Secondary School, who played under the baton of another educator and village role model, Mr. Rollo Younge, based in New York but who visits Guyana regularly.
Assisting with the catering and other forms of preparation for the party were other Buxtonian relatives and friends, headed by Ms. May Hamer.