THE ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) again demonstrated its love and care for the people of Guyana by distributing 1,200 gifts to children across East Berbice over the past weekend.
The intention was specifically to bring cheer to those children during the Christmas season.

On Saturday gifts were distributed to kids at the paediatric wards of the New Amsterdam and Skeldon hospitals; and a children’s party was held at Bloomfield, Lower Central Corentyne, even as a grand Christmas tree light-up was held at Line Path, Skeldon, Corriverton, Upper Corentyne.
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill; PPP/C Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha; and PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP) Faizal Jafarally, all played an integral role in the process of distributing the gifts, bringing smiles to the faces of many youths, who felt appreciated and can now enjoy the ambience of the festive season.
Speaking at the Line Path event, Edghill reminded the large gathering of the reason for the season, and extended best wishes on behalf of the Government of Guyana.
“Christmas was the beginning of a process to ensure that salvation came to the entire world; where men were looking for a future and a way out of their troubles and darkness,” he explained.

INSPIRED
Edghill, hailing from a staunch Christian background, told the audience that the Government of Guyana has embraced the teachings of Christianity, and will strive to serve the nation in a Christ-like manner.
“As a Government, we take the message of Christmas seriously, and that is what we want to continue to do in Guyana. Being inspired by the message of Christmas, we want to continue to bring hope to our people.
“When we talk about hope, we are talking about giving you a reason to rejoice and live in comfort,” he assured.
That grand event saw resounding and hyped performances from various Upper Corentyne churches in the form of interpretive dances, songs and poems, which left the crowd clamouring for more even as Santa Claus made his arrival.
And PPP/C MP Faizal Jafarally took the opportunity to call on citizens of Guyana to demonstrate compassion for each other and develop the habit of spreading cheer. “As we celebrate Christmas and the Birth of Jesus Christ, let’s not forget the less fortunate people in our society.
“Christmas is a time for sharing and caring,” he intoned.

GIFT OF GOD
Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman of Corriverton, Bhawase Harripaul, noted in his address that Guyanese have a unique way of celebrating Christmas — with the gathering of family members and friends, lavish preparation of local delicacies, and exchange of gifts; but he reminded that Christmas goes way beyond a cultural practice.
“In the midst of all the fun and celebration, we ought to remember the Gift of God, which is His Son Jesus Christ, who came to offer hope and salvation to mankind. And with that, mankind should find a way towards the Heavenly Father,” Harripaul emphasised.
The mega-event culminated with the traditional tree light-up, which was organised by the PPP/C Line Path Group, and the distribution of gifts was done by Minister Edghill, MP Jafarally and Santa.

(By Michael Khan)