If there is a will, there is a way for this Christmas

Dear Editor,
This year has brought with it some of the greatest challenges we have faced in Guyana. First there were drawn-out elections that resulted from APNU/AFC leaders trying to rig the elections with the tabulation of the initial electoral votes, which had come under scrutiny by local and international observer missions, leading to a national recount brokered by a Caribbean Community high-level delegation comprised of prime ministers from the Caribbean region. Then there was a global pandemic.
The year 2020 has been a testing year for everyone. Lots of persons have lost loved ones to COVID-19, many have furloughed or, indeed, lost their incomes completely due to the consequences of COVID-19.
However, it would be fair to say that we are all looking forward to a fresh new year in 2021. But as we look forward to Christmas and the New Year, it is important to note that, in every situation that comes our way, there is always good to be found.
On behalf of PPP/C Administration, we want to share with you some of the good we have seen throughout this year, and our hope for Christmas and the New Year.
We can all agree that it is not the norm with all these COVID-19 precautions and people having to maintain social distance. Everything has suddenly changed from last Christmas, but if there is a will, there is a way for this Christmas. When the COVID-19 first surfaced in Guyana, it was the worst pandemic that our country had ever seen. The impact first-hand hit our health and education sectors like a ton of bricks, with our medical workers supporting frontline first responders as they worked hard to avoid the devastation that eventually impacted our ten regions.
The way that Guyanese came together during the pandemic was remarkable. There was practical on-ground support for our new PPP/C Government as they married the COVID-19 protective measures with sustainable economic development and unity for the purpose of helping all Guyanese in their time of need.
During the horrific COVID-19 that has ravaged so many countries of the world, we have all seen the iconic Guyanese spirit in full effect. Our rural leaders have come alongside many rural families affected by COVID-19 and have been able to provide very practical support, which has been warmly welcomed by so many of our citizens in our regions.
Rural communities are resilient and tough, and yet our leaders have been embraced by these communities, leading to deep and lasting friendships.
COVID-19 has been extremely damaging to our economy, with many families and individuals having been placed under extreme financial and emotional strain. However, even during a pandemic, a strong thread of friendship emerged as communities found creative ways to support each other. And the PPP/C Government Ministers have also been busy supporting locals in their communities.
Looking forward now to Christmas, I want to encourage everyone to embrace the season, and take this opportunity to connect with loved ones. Spending time with family (either in-person or online); sharing a meal with those you love, and with the less fortunate; taking time to be with friends, or by engaging in the joy of giving to one another this Christmas.
We also know that Christmas can be a time of stress, financial pressure and loneliness for some Guyanese, as many ponder where to go for financial support this Christmas. Our Government is committed to economic development despite COVID-19, making sure that Guyanese go back to work. They want us to know that they are here for us this Christmas. The 2 weeks’ bonus given to our services’ men and women must be a blessing.

The true meaning of Christmas is found in the birth of Jesus. Jesus brought into the world a hope for a better tomorrow, a hope that no matter what we have done or where we have been, we are loved. A hope that nothing can separate us from Jesus’s love. So, this Christmas, let me encourage every Guyanese to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and enjoy the festive season as we come together with our families and friends. Christmas will always remain a time of reflection for most people, and also a time for caring and sharing.

Sincerely,
David Adams