CHRISTMAS is celebrated every year on December 25 and it is both a sacred religious festival and a cultural and commercial phenomenon. For over two thousand years, people all over the world have been observing the day with customs and practices that are both religious and secular. Christians celebrate the day as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ.

There is something extraordinary about Christmas in Guyana. People from all walks of life participate one way or the other in the Christmas festivities. It is the one religious festival that transcends the boundaries of politics, race, religion and geography. The national mood is being lifted, and there is an air of festivity that permeated the whole of society.

Indeed, it is one of the most popular and festive celebrations with streets full of shoppers and revelers. Main Street, Georgetown has always been one of the attractions with its well-lit buildings and trees along the avenue decorated with lights. This year there is the Christmas Village where a wide variety of items are on display including beautiful works of art and craft. Indeed, the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our local artists are on full display.

Many overseas Guyanese traditionally return ‘home’ to spend time with relatives and friends. This year is no exception. Hundreds of overseas Guyanese have returned home for the festivities. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was a buzz of activities on Thursday last, as passengers, both local and foreign arrived to the characteristic Guyanese warmth and hospitality.

According to the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who was on spot to welcome the visitors, there were lots of excitement as visitors saw first-hand the new developments at the upgraded airport and the professional and courteous way in which they were treated by immigration officials. For many, this is their first visit to the country after several years and the progress and development that the country has been making over the years have been apparent from the moment they landed.

They no longer have to physically disembark the stairs of the parked aircraft to make their way into the immigration department. The baggage section has now been modernised and it takes a much shorter time to clear immigration and exit the airport into the welcoming arms of relatives and friends.

For those who have not visited the country over the past five years or so, it is like coming home to a new Guyana. There is now a new political administration in place with the PPP/C once again in the seat of power under the youthful, dynamic and charismatic leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Many would have read about the political drama of the last elections when attempts were made by the previous APNU+AFC Coalition to subvert the will of the Guyanese electorate, aided and abetted by some rogue elements within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat and are happy that those sordid moments are now behind them and they are returning to a country where democracy and the rule of law has prevailed.

Judging from the mood of the Guyanese people, it is easy to loose sight of the fact, even if fleetingly, that we are still under the constraining influence of the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a toll on the physical, economic and social life of the Guyanese people. Despite the challenges, social life continues to take its course, due in no small measure by the aggressive and pro-active stance taken by the PPP/C administration to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to vaccinate a critical mass of the population against the harmful effects of the virus. Indeed, Guyana is ahead of several countries in the region and the world as a whole when it comes to vaccination rates among the adult population.

A new Guyana is indeed beckoning, facilitated in no small measure by the emerging oil and gas sector that has catapulted the economy to one of the highest growth rates in the world, and as a consequence, to higher levels of economic growth and prosperity. This is manifested in a variety of ways; higher disposable incomes; better access to house lots and affordable homes; better access to health and education services; greater access to potable water and improved road infrastructure. There is now a new mood of hope and optimism that the benefits of growth and development will have a positive impact on the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion or political affiliation.

Guyana is undoubtedly undergoing significant change and transformation but our common embrace of the lessons of peace, humility, care, warmth and compassion embodied in the teachings of Jesus Christ continue to define us as a people. We all look forward to our Christmas Cake, Pepper Pot, Cook-up Rice, Garlic Pork and other delicacies which seem to taste better at Christmas time.

And even as we celebrate the birth of Christ and bask in the glory of the Christmas lights, let us spare a thought for the less privileged in our society and, in whatever way we can, strive to make a little difference to their lives. Let us never loose sight of the reason for the season, namely to spend more time with family and friends, showing gratitude and love, sharing, making people happy and reflecting on the life and teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christmas Day in Guyana is indeed a special moment. But the mood of festivity does not end on Christmas Day. The following day, Boxing Day, is known for drinking and merriment as the country progresses to the dawn of the new year of 2022. It is important that we continue to maintain a level head and try not to throw caution to the wind, especially in this COVID-19 environment.