CHRISTMAS is beginning to look very grim for some in Guyana. There is no doubt that from the introduction of the restrictions in March, hundreds of persons here in Guyana have struggled to remain on their feet. Businesses have had to cut salaries, terminate and send home staff, and make other circumstantial changes to protect themselves against risk—and loss—during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been established time and again that the effects of the lockdown are different from situation to situation—some more harsh than others, but some Guyanese have managed to trounce the difficult circumstances and try to carry on their lives as best as possible. Although some individuals and businesses have been able to adapt within the difficult positions they have found themselves in, the same cannot be said for some Guyanese. Some have suffered loss and have been forced to seek help in carrying on with their lives. Among those are the residents of the Shaheed Boys’ and Girls’ Orphanages.

“Since March, we had cancellations [for bookings], when we had that election problem. So everybody’s staying indoors, and scared to come out, and all these different things,” Raheema Rahaman, Director of the Orphanages, related earlier this year. “Now, nobody’s coming out,” She lamented while disclosing that “We’re low on every single thing.” Although Christmas is not usually a large event at the orphanages, staffers there say that they usually try to make the holiday even the slightest bit special, since the children come from diverse backgrounds.
“Persons would bring in gifts and so on for them,” the secretary of the orphanages, Merissa Permaul, reminisced in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. “Just to cheer them up, for maybe a little while, but nothing much, nothing elaborate,” she said.

“It is hard,” Thandy Newton, the house mother of the orphanages added, noting that “We had a few donors that would assist, but other than that, it’s really hard, because most of the people now—especially the normal working people that would donate, they can’t, because of the COVID-19.” “The priority is the children,” she stated, adding: “We need finance—we still got to pay staff, buy gas, you know, regular maintenance and bills and stuff like that.” The orphanages are currently home to 48 boys and girls, with ages ranging from two to 16. They are in need of food supplies, sanitation and hygiene products and detergent, among other basic necessities. Persons who are desirous of contributing can call the orphanage at (+592) 226-9620, or contact the Director, Raheema Rahaman at (+592) 629-1001. Visits to the orphanages have been restricted, in order to protect the children, and all donated items are accepted at the gate.