Guyana has much to celebrate; shining brighter than ever – Pres Ali in Christmas message

– Guyanese Christmas traditions hold us together as a people, country – PM

This Christmas season, President Dr Irfaan Ali says Guyana has a lot to celebrate, as the country is experiencing its best days and its people are destined for a bright future.
The Head of State made these remarks in his Christmas message to the nation, in which he underscored his government’s commitment to building a better tomorrow.
“We stand on the threshold of unparalleled opportunity. But let us remember that the true measure of our light is not in its intensity but in how far it reaches. Prosperity only has meaning when it is shared prosperity. We will continue along this enlightened path, ensuring that every community, every family, every child feels the warmth of this new dawn.”
“Just days ago, I laid out a broad vision for our nation’s next five years – a detailed plan to spur unprecedented growth and, crucially, to ensure that the benefits of this growth reaches everyone. This is our covenant with you, the people of our beloved country. It is our collective project of hope. From the hope of Bethlehem to the hope of a thriving Guyana, the message is the same: we are builders of a better tomorrow,” the President stated.
He went on to note that for Christians across Guyana and the world, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is, he added, the story of a light dawning in the deepest night and carries a message of hope.
“The Christmas story is not one of faith alone but a profound lesson for all mankind. It relays to us that within our shared humanity lies the capacity for renewal, for compassion, and for hope. This is why it is so heartening to see Guyanese everywhere, at home and across the diaspora, keep our cherished Christmas traditions alive. The shared meals, the Christmas songs that fill the air, the outstretched hands to neighbours and strangers alike and the outpouring of kindness to the less fortunate in our midst,” the Head of State emphasised.

Peaceful season
According to the President, it is through these acts of goodwill that strengthen the very bonds that unite the harmonious, beautiful, and diverse Guyanese society.
“This Christmas as we gather in joy, I call on each of you to also gather in safety. Let us protect the gift of each other. Be vigilant on our roads, mindful in our celebrations, and watchful over our loved ones. Let this season be marked by peace in every home.”
“As the candles of our Christmas celebrations cast their gentle glow, let their light reach beyond the warmth of our own hearths. May we remember those who dwell in the quiet shadows of want, extending not just the bounty of our tables but the greater wealth of our compassion. May this same gentle light be a solace to the sick and a comfort to the grieving, a reminder that no heart need heal alone. And let our hearts, buoyed by the season’s promise of peace, become a silent chorus of prayer for our brothers and sisters in lands where the night sky is pierced not by starlight, but by conflict and strife.”
“Let this season bring hope for every soul that lies awake longing for a dawn where the only sound is the whisper of peace. So, as we celebrate this joyous and blessed season of Christmas, let us embrace its profound truth. The greatest gift is to be found in a humble heart. This Christmas, let us renew our hearts. Let us choose love over indifference, unity over division, and hope over despair. From my family to yours, may God bless you all with a peaceful and joyous Christmas,” President Ali stated.

Guyanese traditions
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his Christmas message to the nation, also underscored the importance of Christmas traditions in Guyana – a season that invites people to slow down and remember why this day has endured for centuries.
According to PM Phillips, Christmas in Guyana is defined by tradition and togetherness.
“It is found in early-morning church services, in familiar hymns sung with conviction, and in the simple but meaningful traditions, like our pepper pot, our garlic pork, our visits to family members old and young, our masquerade, our sorrel and mauby drinks, and even the neighbourhood gatherings where Christmas music blasts all day through the streets. These are warm traditions passed down through generations, and they hold us together as a country and as a people,” he posited.
The Prime Minister added too that this season also reminds us that faith is something we live even outside of our places of worship. He said the Christmas story calls us to generosity and to care for the vulnerable and less fortunate.
“These are values that must guide our conduct long after the decorations are put away,” he noted.
The PM added that while Guyana continues to experience growth and opportunity, Christmas urges us to remember that progress must always have a human face because prosperity has meaning only when it strengthens families, uplifts communities, and creates dignity for every citizen.
“Our responsibility to one another must, therefore, always prevail. At this time, we are especially mindful of those who face hardship, such as families dealing with loss, illness, or uncertainty. May this season move us beyond words and into action to support these people in this season and beyond. Let us remember to give a kind gesture, a listening ear, or a helping hand, which reflects the very spirit of Christ’s life and teachings,” the Prime Minister stated.
PM Phillips stated that as Christians across Guyana and around the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, he reminds them that Christ’s arrival came with a profound message, that is, love and service matter more than status, and that light can emerge even in the most uncertain moments.
“This is a message that still speaks to us. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, may His example inspire us to live with integrity, compassion, and humility, and may it remind us that unity is a daily choice. On behalf of the Government of Guyana and my family, I extend sincere Christmas greetings to every Guyanese household. May your homes be filled with peace, your gatherings with warmth, and your hearts with hope. May the message of Christmas guide us today and every day.”