-Minister Walrond urges during light-up at Rahaman’s Park

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, on Sunday urged Guyanese to stay true to their loving and welcoming nature during the Christmas season.

She made this comment while speaking at the ‘ Annual Christmas Tree Light-up’ at Rahaman’s Park. This marks the 17th year of the Rahaman family tradition, which signals the start of the Christmas season in Guyana.

Minister Walrond said that the tree has become a part of the Guyanese Christmas celebration. She used the occasion to express her profound gratitude to the Rahaman family for their continued efforts to organise the event, and to ensure that every single year, no matter what happens, that a tree goes up at the spot.

Mickelly Rahaman, describing the event as “magical,” expressed her family’s deep appreciation for being able to engage the people of Guyana as they ring in the festive season. She noted that as a family, the annual Christmas tree light-up has had a lasting impact as it has allowed them to share their love for the season with persons across the country.

“This is the 17th year that we have been opening the Christmas season with the lighting of this Christmas tree. I’m so honoured to have been a part of such a meaningful event and I am so happy that you are all here to celebrate this time with us. The lighting of the tree has been a very special part of our family and it marks the beginning of the Christmas season for us. It’s very important for us and you’ve been here helping us to carry this amazing tradition on,” Rahaman stated.

WE SHOULD COME TOGETHER
Meanwhile, Minister Walrond reminded attendees that Guyana has a plethora of rich, diverse cultures and people and said that as we usher in the Christmas season, that diversity should be embraced and loved.
She noted that Guyanese have always been known worldwide for their hospitality and that this should not stop during the festive season.

“I urge us to think of who we are as Guyanese; Guyanese are people who are hospitable, loving, giving, to our core. People come and they speak of our qualities. They say we are light to be around, and the fact is every community that we are in, we have had the experience of being nurtured by people who didn’t look like us; believe the same things we did, but there was still that feeling of warmth and belonging,” Minister Walrond added.