RESIDENTS of the Palms Geriatric Home, Brickdam, were on Friday treated to a splendid evening of elegance, with choice musical entertainment, compliments of the National Communications Network (NCN).The event which was expertly delivered, was well received by the scores of beaming and keenly enthusiastic seniors who converged in the Chapel, in the Palms compound to zero in on “NCN’s Christmas Cheer,” which was broadcast live on radio and national television.

Seniors were drawn from The Archer’s Home; St. Thomas Moore Homestead, Kitty; the Legion of Mary; the Gentle Women’s Home; Holy Family; the Dharm Shala and the Palms.

Emcee and veteran broadcaster, Ron Robinson, who had for years been conducting NCN’s “Breakfast Show,” aptly introduced the twilight entertainment as “a kind of dinner show,” welcoming on stage leading Guyanese artistes in the likes of Denecia De Freitas; popular Gospel Singer Kester ‘D’ and ‘Sister Shauana’; Seon Sobers; Calvin Burnett; and Choral speakers, Sarah Chappelle and Raymond Azeez, among others.
The icing on the cake however, was the rather timely opening piece – “Gee Whizz, It’s Christmas,” delectably rendered by Denecia De Freitas and setting the tone for a wonderful evening of Christmas entertainment.
Then there was an uproar as “Kester D” and “Shauna” took to the stage to deliver in up- beat Socca Style , “Give Love Away.” It was hot, hot, hot and the seniors exuded body language which seemed to suggest: “Too good for an annual show. Why not let’s have it more regularly?”

Among the distinguished invitees were: Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster; Chief Executive Officer of NCN, Ms. Molly Hassan; Administrator of the Palms, Ms. Samantha Douglas; and Welfare Counsellor, Mr. Deigo Alphonso.
Minister Webster, in her brief remarks to the gathering extended Christmas greetings to the seniors, on behalf of President Donald Ramotar and on her own behalf.
She congratulated the initiative birthed by NCN, with the blessings of the administration of the Palms, and alluded to NCN as a good corporate citizen for its showing of love and compassion for the seniors.

Minister Webster pointed to tangibles of government’s concern for senior citizens, such as the annual increase in old age pensions and said that her ministry will continue to ensure that the needs of senior citizens are taken care of.
She envisioned what a wonderful place Guyana would be if more people were like NCN, pushing their hands deep into their pockets to share what they have with seniors.

Meanwhile, NCN’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Molly Hassan expressed pleasure at being a part of the celebrations. She outlined that NCN had taken the decision to host the Christmas Concert for the residents of the Palms and other Senior Citizens Homes, in the place of its annual Christmas Tree light- up and ‘Bash’ in the compound of NCN. She said it was felt that the spreading of cheer and goodwill among the seniors would have a greater impact on the vulnerable and elderly in society.
“It’s our corporate social responsibility, in this season, to reflect and share with them” Ms. Hassan said, noting that NCN has had a good financial year.
Likening them as unto the NCN’s family, she said that Christmas is a time when families get together, and promised that NCN will be back with them next year again.
And as if in answer to the seniors’ silent wish, Ms. Hassan added, to cheers and assenting nods, “We will come more often and spend more time with you. Have a Merry Christmas and a bright new year.

(By Shirley Thomas)