CHILDREN from the riverine communities in the Essequibo River, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), this year enjoyed a party attended by Santa Claus, who came bearing gifts at a Christmas Tree Light-Up and party at Fort Island.
The event was hosted on December 21 by Community Health Worker (CHW) Pretty Debideen and her son, Videsh Debideen, Clerk-in-Charge of the Fort Island Ferry Stelling, at their Fort Island home.

The Christmas party for children started at 18:00hrs, with 150 children from Fort Island, Lanaballi, Bheri-Bissabali, Quaterbenabo, Baboon Hole, Bonasika Main, Bonasika Dookalbo, St. Lawrence, and Hubu coming together for the Christmas Tree Light-Up and party.
Pretty Debideen, the nurse of Fort Island, Essequibo River, told the Pepperpot Magazine that Santa Claus came from the city with a tour group, which included both adults and children, just for the annual Christmas party for children.

She said it will become an annual feature and she and her sons are committed to hosting the event in an effort to spread joy during the festive season.
Debideen stated that it is their way of giving back to the community and that a few others assisted them to make the event possible.
She reported that Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn both donated toys for the Christmas party for children of the riverine communities.

In addition, Halima Khan of Media Halaal Restaurant donated the dhal puri for the event, while Debideen and her children prepared the meals, including beef and chicken curry, dhal, rice, black cake, fruit cake, sponge cake, and beverages.
She explained that she did the planning, while her son, Videsh, organised everything to make the event possible. She expressed gratitude to all who pitched in to lend a helping hand to ensure the children had a good time on Saturday at Fort Island, where a giant Christmas tree was illuminated at dusk.

Debideen told the Pepperpot Magazine that they were delighted with how the Christmas party and Christmas Tree Light-Up unfolded and have pledged to host the event annually because it is their way of giving back.
She noted that Pastor Ezekiel Thomas donated the beverages for the event, commending his kind gesture.
Debideen reported that it took a lot of planning and coordinating, but it was worth it because they brought good cheer to the children. When the children saw Santa Claus with his bag of toys, they were very excited and happy.

Santa Claus spent two days at Fort Island, Essequibo River, to ensure that the children who could not attend the party on Saturday were able to visit the following day (Sunday) and receive their gifts.
Debideen explained that it was the first time Santa Claus stayed for two days and spent time interacting with the children, much to their delight.

She pointed out that 150 children attended, but they catered for 200. Each child was given a toy, a goody bag, and a scrumptious meal with a beverage.

Leopold and Breeder Streets Christmas Party for Children
Meanwhile, Matilda Rajaram of the Lions Club of Georgetown Stabroek also did her part by hosting a Christmas party for children of Leopold and Breeder Streets, Charlestown, on December 14, 2024.
She told the Pepperpot Magazine that the party started at 09:00hrs and was well-attended by children from the neighbourhood, though the event was cut short due to heavy rainfall.

Rajaram added that 60 children, aged between one and eight years old, showed up and were each presented with a toy by Santa Claus. They also received goody bags filled with sweets and other Christmas-related treats.
She explained that she, along with eight members, including the President of the Lions Club of Georgetown Stabroek, pooled their resources to make the event possible.

Rajaram stated that despite the rainy conditions that day, they managed to pull off a successful Christmas party for the children in that ward of the city. They were pleased to bring joy and smiles to the faces of the children during the festive season.
She reported that at the end of the year, the club makes it a tradition to give back to the community through a party for children, spreading joy at Christmas.