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 Corporation (GPHC).
On this occasion, however, the president was accompanied by West Indies star batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, and by captain of the Guyana national cricket team, 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 able only to extend a hand, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
The visitors themselves came in for a surprise when little Joshua Thomas sang the popular local gospel song “Victory is Sure” after receiving his gift from the head of state. Thomas’s talent was applauded, and his speedy recovery was encouraged.
In a Christmas message to the nation, President Jagdeo 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, 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. 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 people, regardless of any unfortunate circumstance.
Meanwhile, on December 23, the president distributed 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.
