President Irfaan Ali, First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali and Ministers of government on Tuesday evening ushered in the Christmas season at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara with the lighting of a Christmas tree.
The President wished those gathered a season filled with joy, happiness and good health even as he encouraged them to use it as a time of reflection.
“In reflection, we all must be very proud as Guyanese that we’re able to see in our country democracy prevail; that we’re able to see in our country hope and aspiration of the Guyanese people combined together. The aspiration of the Guyanese people that is a very simple one; that is for a better life, for better living conditions and for a brighter future for your children.”
The President said that hope has ‘inspired and motivated” his government to work every day to ensure that a brighter future is realised and all Guyanese benefit from the developments.
“In Region Three, we see an explosion of development in the coming years; not only the new Demerara Harbour Bridge and new housing programme, but you will see an explosion in expenditure to bring better healthcare, better education, more jobs and tremendous private sector investment.”
President Ali also urged people to remember those who lost their lives to COVID-19, and those in the diaspora suffering through second waves of the disease, especially in the US and Canada.
“I ask all of us to be respectful to each other by wearing our masks, to ensure we do all of this in following the protocol so, that as far as possible, we can all together see this pandemic through and look towards a brighter future next year,” he added.
The Head of State also called for reflection on the challenges encountered and the sacrifices being made at this time.
“I want us to put our hands together for all the frontline workers in healthcare, our police officers, our army officers, our public servants, our farmers. All those who continue to go out and toil every day, giving a bit more in service to humanity. This is the spirit that we must celebrate,” he said to applause.
He noted that while the traditional merriment might be muted this year because of the pandemic, it is an opportunity for families to unite and in turn build stronger communities.
President Ali said the government is mindful of its responsibility to the people and is committed to working with communities and individuals. He thanked the Region’s parliamentary representative, Minister of Public Works, Deodat Indar and the regional officers for the work they have done to date.
Children in attendance received gifts following the light up. (Extracted and modified from Department of Public Information)
