President assures vulnerable Guyanese of improved lives

In keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, President Irfaan Ali continued his acts of giving on Friday by interacting and giving back to several sections of society.
Christmas morning started with him treating members of the Presidential Guards at State House to a breakfast spread, as they would have left their families to remain on duty.
Then over at the Dharm Shala, the Head of State brightened the festivities for residents with meals and a sizeable donation. He pledged Government’s commitment to improving the lives of persons in similar establishments through specialised initiatives that would focus on healthcare among other key services.
“I am very happy to be among you in celebrating, not only Christmas, but celebrating this moment in which we give back to our elderly. I want to assure you that, in the coming years, we will be working on specific programmes, specific initiatives, to ensure that facilities like these are not only supported, but that the residents are also supported in key and important areas of life, like healthcare,” he said to persons at the Dharm Shala.

He also praised the Private Sector for its members’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, and lauded the management of the facility for their continuous commitment at the institution, which is in existence for some 99 years.
“I am so pleased with the role the Private Sector has been playing in our country. In all the activities I have attended, not only this season but since I assumed office, the Private Sector has been present on the programme in a big way. This tells us that we have a Private Sector now that is keen on corporate social responsibility. I remember, as a child growing up, always seeing this activity in the newspapers. It became a part of the Christmas tradition of Guyana. But that is just what the public sees once a year. But you do this every day.”

Christmas meals
President Ali was joined by the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and they spent several hours handing out special Christmas meals to the needy.
They were joined by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, staff of the Office of the President, and other officials for the meal distribution exercise along several streets of Georgetown.
“For most, Christmas is the time when families join together to share a specially prepared meal; but for many, it’s just another day without shelter, warm clothing or food. The Head of State recognised this, and in the spirit of giving and providing to the less fortunate, he organised the event, which saw the distribution of hundreds of meals and beverages,” the Office of the President shared in a statement.
The team then journeyed to Bourda Market and its contiguous areas to extend this initiative to others in need.
Leading up to the holiday, a special celebration for children from orphanages was coordinated at State House. The children were treated to toys, carolling and other Christmas items. Those who were part of the festivities included the Sophia Care Center, Red Cross Convalescent Home, Mahaica Children’s Home, St Ann’s Girls Orphanage and Joshua Children’s Home. (G12)