THE needy and less fortunate were entertained at the Dharm Shala Children’s Christmas Party on Tuesday.
The function was facilitated at the Home of Benevolence for all races with financial support to continue its humanitarian drive.
Specially invited guests were the United States Ambassador, Mr. D. Brent Hardt and his wife, Mrs. Saskia Hardt and the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. David Devine and his wife, Mrs. Marian Devine. U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Tabatha Fairclough was present, too.
The American Ambassador and the Canadian High Commissioner delivered short speeches. In his, Hardt admitted how elated he was to return to the children at the Dharm Shala this year.
Devine said he was very delighted to be there and wished the children a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Mr. John Livingston and his wife from England were in attendance, with the husband dressed as Santa Claus and distributing gifts.

DANCE COMPETITION
A dance competition among four toddlers, Tiffany Serin, Sarah Bowel, Duquyon Critchlow and Asim Innis, was judged by Mr. Hardt, who agreed that they all were excellent and got gifts of dolls and prams, puzzle and wiggles.
The dolls went to the girls, the puzzle to Asim and the wiggles to Duquyon.
Mr. Hardt and Mr. Devine joined in singing lustily with the children, some of whose parents said the occasion left them with lasting memories.
In a press release, the Dharm Shala Managing Head, Mr. Harry Ramsaroop said, irrespective of race or religion, he continually seeks help for the institution in Georgetown and Forte Canje, Berbice.
He said the doors are never closed to the destitute, sick, lonely, unloved and others and there is always something for them to eat, clean clothes to wear, a bed on which to sleep and amenities for civilised living.
Ramsaroop said funding for the institution depends totally on donations from individuals and firms for its existence and the maintenance of its nine Dharma buildings which are solely devoted to humanitarian charity, free of all charges.
He said, though, that electricity and water rates have bitten off a great portion of the reserved funds painstakingly accumulated over the years.
However, the Christmas Luncheon, traditionally for the poor and less fortunate, will be held on Christmas Day.
In a telephone interview, Ms. Kella Ramsaroop disclosed that her father is unwell this year but, in collaboration with her sister Pamela, who is a London trained lawyer, they hosted the Tuesday function. (C. Benfield)