– joined by cricket stars
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo spent the early part of Christmas Day in the usual benevolent fashion, distributing toys to youths in the paediatric care unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. On this occasion , the President took along with him West Indies star batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan,  captain of the Guyana  cricket team and Lennox Cush.
The presentation of toys and the presence of the prominent figures were enough to bring smiles to the faces of the children, a few of whom were bedridden and were only able to extend a hand.
The visitors themselves came in for a surprise when little Joshua Thomas sang the popular gospel song, “Victory is Sure”, after receiving his gift from the Guyanese Head of State.
He was applauded for his talent and the visitors wished him a speedy recovery.
In a Christmas message to the nation, President Jagdeo had urged that the spirit of goodwill fill the empty spaces, especially for those who at this time are needy, sick, lonely, bereaved or enduring unfortunate circumstances.
Similar sentiments were echoed by the President during a walkabout of the city on Christmas Eve, when he took time to reflect on the less fortunate families in society who inevitably will not be enjoying the season as others.
“My heart goes out to those people and I hope that they too, in many ways, will try as best as possible to enjoy the season; and I also ask those who are more fortunate to try to assist those who are less fortunate; and I hope that in years to come; we will not have this situation,” President Jagdeo had noted.
He also noted that the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus Christ is one that should encourage love amongst one another, regardless of any unfortunate circumstance.
On December 23, the President was in Lusignan distributing meals to youths from various parts of the East Coast during a Christmas social at the Lusignan Government School. There he encouraged them to work hard and stay in school. (GINA)