National Assembly hosts children’s Christmas party

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland on Saturday hosted the National Assembly’s annual Children’s Christmas Party.

Children flock to play with Ollaf at the Speaker’s party
Children flock to play with Ollaf at the Speaker’s party

The party attracted scores of anxious and excited children from the Sophia Care Centre; the Mahaica Children’s Home; the Education Ministry’s Resource Unit for the Blind and Visually Impaired along with children of the staff of the Parliament Office.

They all packed the lawns of the Parliament Office to receive their Christmas gifts and refreshments and to see Barney, Elsa, Ollaf and Santa Clause.

The party included a short “official” segment chaired by children of the Parliament staff and included poems, and songs performed by staff’s children. During this segment, Dr Scotland greeted the children, and explained to them that the National Assembly’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party began with his predecessor, Raphael Trotman.

“It is something that I look forward to and it brings a great sense of pride, joy and humility when I see the excited look on the faces of the children and the expression of gratitude from their parents.” The party provided an opportunity for children as well as parents and caretakers to socialise and interact with the Speaker and other Members of Parliament, including Richard Allen, Michael Carrington and Harry Gill.