SOME of Linden senior citizens were on Sunday reminded that they have not been forgotten and that their contributions to their town and nation at large have left an indelible imprint on the lives of many, especially those they have elected to lead. For this reason, immediate past leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin and his family feted the seniors with a grand luncheon and Christmas programme which saw the presence of several ministers of government, who for the afternoon, took on a servant role in serving the seniors meals and greeting them with words of encouragement and good cheer.

The servant ministers of the day were Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally; Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence; Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Social Cohesion George Norton and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson. These ministers also hold top executive positions in the PNCR. Present also was Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell and Regional Chairman Renis Morian.

The event is an annual one hosted by the Corbin family in honour of his parents who have passed way. This year marks 20 years since the family has been honouring Linden seniors during the festive season. In brief remarks, Robert Corbin said it is with great feeling of compassion and humanity that the event continues to be hosted as a means of giving back. He said when it started, many of the seniors who attended then, have moved on to the great beyond, including his parents. He thanked the seniors for caring themselves and for attending the 2018 event. Corbin then asked the seniors to pray for President David Granger who is battling health challenges as well. He thanked the President as well as the many ministers of the PNCR who have been supporting the event since they were in Opposition. He said his family will continue to make tremendous contributions to Linden, not only at Christmas time.

Minister Amna Ally, who brought hampers for each senior, assured them that the government has not forgotten them and that they are valued and loved. This, she said, is reflected in the progressive increase in Old Age Pensions since 2015. “I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you for the contributions you have made throughout the years you have lived and you have supported our party, and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Minister Lawrence, in bringing holiday greetings to the seniors said, this Christmas is even more special, knowing that in the New Year, the senior citizens will be taking home a little more in their coffers. “I just want to thank you for the opportunity you have given to me to serve you; it has been a wonderful three years and we all endeavour to have many more years so that we can continue to support each other and build this beautiful country of ours and the reason we can do it is because of you, who ran the race before and you have set us a very firm foundation to work with,” she said.
Minister Ronald Bulkan and Minister George Norton also greeted the seniors and wished them a prosperous 2019. They also thanked the Corbin family for continuing to give back to seniors in this regard.

The seniors then enjoyed a sumptuous three course meal, festive music, good laughter and a short cultural programme before heading home with their gifts and hampers.