Christmas echoes a message of hope, offers relief from despair – President

…as Opposition urges safety during festivities

As Guyana, like the rest of the world, celebrates Christmas in unprecedented conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that this festive season brings hope despite challenges that are being faced.
On behalf of himself, First Lady Arya Ali and their son, Zayd, the Head of State extended holiday greetings to the nation in his first Christmas message.
President Ali said Guyanese are sturdy and can overcome any trial and tribulation thrown their way – something which was evident over the past year the country has faced.
“Christmas echoes a message of hope. Whatever our circumstances or however daunting the challenges we face, Christmas reminds us that hope offers a respite from distress, disappointments and despair. Our recent history has vindicated the hope with which we were seized when things, temporarily, went asunder,” he posited.
To this end, the Guyanese leader noted: “We have overcome past crises. We will overcome the present pandemic, and we will be ready to confront future crises, should they arise.”
According to the President, hope and life are intertwined and Christmas is a celebration of life.
“At Christmas, we honour life by commemorating the birth of an infant, Jesus. The Holy Bible announces the mission of Christ as one aimed at giving life and doing so abundantly. Through our Christmas traditions, we do a little more, have a little more, and ensure that the less fortunate receive a little more of our kindness. These are our ways of commemorating the life-giving gift of Christmas,” he stated.
President Ali further posited that Christmas is also a time for saying thanks. As such, he expressed appreciation to all Guyanese, at home and in the Diaspora, whose loyalty and love of country, he said, make everyone feel proud to be Guyanese. He also thanked the frontline workers for their “admirable courage and commitment” in the face of the threats posed by the pandemic.
In addition, the Head of State also applauded the members of the Disciplined Services for the efforts they are making to improve safety and security. He also thanked the public servants, miners, fishers, farmers and workers in the manufacturing and services sectors and, indeed, all Guyanese, who have helped to navigate this most testing year.
“Through our combined efforts, we are fashioning a better life… Our country has a bright and exciting future ahead. A mighty and unstoppable hand is scripting our future,” the President stated.
Against this backdrop, the Guyanese leader called on citizens to remain resilient and united, while avoiding negativity.
“We, therefore, must avoid the temptation of succumbing to negativity and despondency. . I urge that we trust in and believe that, with the Creator’s guidance, we shall emerge stronger, more resilient and united. I encourage all Guyanese to keep the embers of hope alight. May you all have a happy and hope-filled Christmas!” President Ali declared.
Meanwhile, the APNU/AFC Opposition in its Christmas message to the nation, urged citizens to continue to take precautions against the novel coronavirus and adhere to the COVID-19 safety measures as they observe the Christmas festivities.
“Your life and health and that of every member of your family are paramount and we urge you to take all precautions to remain safe this season. As a country, 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. However, we are grateful to the Almighty for bringing us through this far. We extend best wishes to you and your family for the year ahead, even as we project that it will be another challenging year for us as Guyanese,” the coalition party stated.
The APNU/AFC went on to encourage persons who are in the position to do so, to help the less fortunate so that they too can have a “bright Christmas” at a time that is “bleak and unhappy” for many.