MINISTER within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, braved the heavy showers, and in some cases, flood waters on Thursday to put smiles on the faces of hundreds of children in South Ruimveldt Park, as she showered them with toys ahead of Christmas.

Accompanied by the members of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) Women’s Arm – Constituency 14, owner of Fab Kids 592, Melissa Atwell; senior crime and security journalist, Leroy Smith; Samuel Medas and team, Minister Broomes could not ignore the stories told about an elderly woman, who despite being partially blind, takes care of her four grandchildren, and as such made an impromptu visit.
Making her way through the partially flooded yard amid heavy showers in the vicinity of Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Minister Broomes met with Mariah Thomas and her grandchildren in the comfort of their home.

While toys were presented to the children, it was the act of kindness shown to Thomas that brought tears to her eyes as she held the minister closely. Thomas was subsequently presented with a hamper comprising a wide variety of locally made products.
It was the first time Thomas and her family were greeted by any minister of Government. Overwhelmed with joy, the elderly woman would only hug the minister and shake her head in disbelief.

Over at “Container City” aback of John Fernandes Limited, children from every nook and cranny flooded the lone street in the area upon hearing the news that Minister Broomes was in the area to “share out” toys.
Their faces lit up with excitement as they collected their toys; be it a toy truck, car, drum set, doll or stuffed toy. Some of the toddlers were even gifted with new clothing for the festive season, compliments of Fab Kids 592.
HAPPY

“I feel happy I receiving this gift, I am so happy,” eight-year-old Justin Green told media operatives as he thanked Minister Broomes for the toy truck he was given.
The situation was no different when the minister and her team visited other areas of Roxanne Burnham Gardens, including Rasville and the ‘Shopping Plaza’.
At the ‘Shopping Plaza’, a stay-at-home mother of four, Abiola Telford, said the initiative was a timely one.

“This is very nice, you know some parents don’t have money right now to buy anything for their children, so yes, I am thankful that at least I know they will have toys this Christmas,” Telford told this newspaper.

In a brief interview with reporters, Minister Broomes said Thursday’s toys distribution marks the first of many for this festive season.
“Today is just about Broomes being Broomes. At school time, I do give school supplies, Easter kites, and of course at Christmas, I want all of our Guyanese children to have a wonderful Christmas. So starting from today, I am moving through,” Minister Broomes said.

She said it is always a pleasure to meet and mingle with children in their comfort zones.
She also used the opportunity to applaud the Constituency 14 representatives for working with residents, in particular children, in and out of season.

FANTASTIC JOB
“I have some women here from the women’s arm of the party. They have been doing some fantastic job around the place. I really love what they are doing…. They have been working with people with housing problems, health problems, less fortunate people, and need support; these women are working with them on the ground,” Minister Broomes posited.
PNCR Constituency 14 representative, Brenda Williams, said the group has always celebrated with the residents of their constituency, whether it is at Christmas, Easter, Mothers’ Day or Fathers’ Day.

“These areas were selected because they have some very poor people, vulnerable people, and they come first, and whatever we have, we reach out to them first, in all of the areas,” Williams explained.
Her colleague, Simona George, added that the women’s group has been very active in the various communities.

“We work with the children; they come for lessons, we give them a meal or snack, whatever we have and we visit the communities from time to time to keep in contact with them to see what is going on,” George explained.
George was pleased to have Minister Broomes onboard with the women’s group to meet the needs of the children.

Atwell told this newspaper that Thursday was the first time she partnered with Minister Broomes. For her, the exercise was a rewarding one. Last August, Atwell, a young entrepreneur, facilitated a back-to-school drive in Albouystown.

“I went into Albouystown and the response was overwhelming. There were so many children, I didn’t have enough bags to give the children who were in need,” she recalled.
In addition to the toys, Minister Broomes handed out 15 food hampers to residents of the constituency, including the representatives from the women’s arm.
Minister Broomes will be visiting Berbice and a number of other regions before Christmas.