The Dharm Shala will continue to provide its compassionate services to the elderly, as another $1 million is being injected to further support its operations.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the pledge during a Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, where residents were treated to drinks, food and music.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President Ali commended the Managing Head of the home, Kella Ramsaroop, and Vice President Pamela Ramsaroop, as well as the staff for their dedication to supporting the elderly.
“We’re going to continue to support this institution. We’re going to expand this support next year…In addition to the subvention, I will try to see how I can make two other interventions during the course of the year that will support the institution,” the president affirmed.
He recognised that the institution, which is a home of benevolence for all races, represents the evolution of life.
Residents were treated to drinks, food and music
The head of state underscored that the elderly often face unique challenges, particularly related to their family and community and as a result, these persons may need additional care.
“It is not that these persons, brothers and sisters, who are part of this institution, are a weight on society or a weight on this institution. They are as much equal as we are. They are part of this family of humanity, but their tests and their circumstances would have been much different than our tests and our circumstances. These sisters, Pamela and Kella, they do enormous work with the support of their staff,” President Ali said.
The president has consistently visited the Dharm Shala on Christmas Day to share in the festivities, and reinforce the government’s firm support for the institution.
Residents were treated to drinks, food and music
He also distributed toys to the children of the community in the spirit of spreading joy during this season.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the Dharm Shala, Pamela Ramsaroop said despite numerous challenges, the work of the institution continues unabated.
Established over 104 years ago, the institution maintains its commitment to humanitarian work, offering free services to all who seek help. With 11 buildings across the country – six in Georgetown and five in Berbice – it continues to serve the community.
Vice President of the Dharm Shala, Pamela Ramsaroop
Ramsaroop emphasised that residents are provided with daily meals, clean and comfortable accommodation, as well as social and religious fulfilment.
“As in previous years, the Dharm Shala has been visited by a few local visitors and those from overseas, all bringing with them small monetary donations, which are all gratefully received by management. Owing to the age of the Dharm Shala, and always with the safety of residents in mind, repair and maintenance work of the Dharm Shala is continuous,” she said.
The Dharm Shala was founded in 1921 by Pandit Ramsaroop Maharaj, who firmly believed in the virtue of serving humanity. It is now headed by his granddaughters, Pamela and Kella Ramsaroop.
President Ali also distributed toys to the children of the community in the spirit of spreading joy during this season
(Republished from the Department of Public Information)
Virat Kohli has been fined 20% of his match fees and awarded one demerit point after his heated altercation with Australia’s 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test at the MCG.
The incident occurred after the tenth over of the morning when Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs.
Both players immediately looked back for a heated exchange of words, before Konstas’ opening partner Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to cut the altercation short.
Kohli was sanctioned for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct that relates to “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match”.
No formal hearing was required as Kohli accepted the sanctions.
Replays that emerged later in the session showed that Konstas had turned around from the crease after the last ball of the tenth over, and was walking straight towards the other end while looking at his gloves, whereas Kohli – while tossing the ball in his hand – was looking straight ahead and went from way outside the pitch right towards Konstas and bumped into him.
“I think the emotions got to both of us,” Konstas later told Channel 7 in the second session. “I didn’t quite realise; I was doing my gloves, then [there was] a little shoulder charge. But it happens in cricket.”
“Have a look at where Virat walks,” former Australia captain Ricky Ponting observed on commentary for Channel 7 while watching the replay of the incident. “Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind, whatsoever.”
While talking to Star Sports at the end of the day, former India coach Ravi Shastri said what Kohli did was “unnecessary”.
“When you see that, it’s not needed at that moment of time,” he said. “I think Virat will realise that later, with the stature he has in the game, he’s captained the side for many, many years. In heat of the moment, things do happen. But on reflection, I would say it was unnecessary. You don’t want to see such things. There’s a line, you don’t want to overstep that line.”
Konstas made his Test debut with a stunning half-century off just 52 balls, by taking on Jasprit Bumrah, the best bowler of the series, who had dismissed Nathan McSweeney four times in six innings in the first three Tests.
Konstas replaced McSweeney for this Test, and struggled to 5 off 21 after being beaten several times before moving to 27 off 38 at the time of the altercation with Kohli.
By then, Konstas had reverse-scooped Bumrah for a six over the slips which had followed a more straightforward scoop that had fetched him four runs after moving across and flicking the ball over the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
Konstas finished on 60 off 65 balls with six fours and two sixes, having scored 34 from 33 against Bumrah and 20 from 19 off Mohammed Siraj.
Tests between India and Australia have been high-intensity, and known to throw up such altercations and controversies, especially involving Kohli.
He had once collided – when he was captain – for an altercation with the opposite captain Tim Paine in 2018-19, and had a duel with Mitchell Johnson while scoring a stunning century in Adelaide in 2014. (ESPNcricinfo)
LeBron James claimed a history-making Christmas Day win as the Los Angeles Lakers edged past the Golden State Warriors 115-113 in San Francisco.
The success, clinched by Austin Reaves’ lay-up with one second to go, saw the 39-year-old become the NBA’s all-time leader in 25 December victories with his 11th in 19 appearances.
The Lakers secured the win despite losing big man Anthony Davis with a twisted left ankle eight minutes into the game
“It’s always difficult to play without AD, so I guess our job is even more heightened, we have to do a little bit more,” said James, who finished with 31 points.
“Everyone has to chip in, especially on the defensive end because AD is our anchor. I thought guys did a great job of just playing off one another, getting to where we wanted to get to offensively and also being able to buckle down and get timely stops versus a really good offensive team.”
Despite the absence of Davis, the Lakers controlled most of the game but were given a late scare.
Leading 109-100, with one minute and 30 seconds to go, Stephen Curry scored eight points for the Warriors as they went on a 13-4 run, including two three-pointers with 12.2 and 7.6 seconds left to level the game.
But Reaves drove to the basket for the game-winning score to finish with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists while Curry had a game-high 38 points, including eight three-pointers, tying the NBA record for a Christmas game.
Elsewhere, Victor Wembanyama had 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocks on his Christmas Day debut but his efforts were in vain as the San Antonio Spurs lost 117-114 to the New York Knicks.
The Knicks were led by a season-high 41 points from Mikal Bridges – the second-most by a Knicks player on Christmas Day behind Bernard King’s 60-point effort in 1984.
And Anthony Edwards scored 26 points as visitors Minnesota claimed a 105-99 win over Dallas, who were without star Luka Doncic for the second half after he sustained a calf strain late in the second quarter. (BBC)
Teenager Sam Konstas hit a pulsating half-century on his Australia debut on a thrilling opening day of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne.
The 19-year-old opener, Australia men’s youngest Test batting debutant since 1953, smashed 60 from 65 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.
Konstas was also involved in a heated confrontation with India’s Virat Kohli, clashing shoulders with the India batter at the end of an over, before departing to a standing ovation after being trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja.
Fellow opener Usman Khawaja rediscovered his form, hitting a first half-century in 12 innings before departing for 57 after lunch.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then put on 83 for the fourth wicket as Australia pressed home their advantage in the evening session.
But Labuschagne’s departure for 72 led to Australia losing three wickets for just nine runs, with the lively Bumrah removing Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession.
Akash Deep then took the late wicket of Alex Carey for 31 with the new ball, before the hosts closed out the day on 311-6.
A crowd of more than 87,000 packed into the MCG for the traditional Boxing Day Test, which took place under cloudy skies but sweltering temperatures pushing close to 39 degrees.
The five-match series is level at 1-1, with both sides needing to win the series 3-1 to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship final. (BBC)
Deandra Daniels, a young theatre actress, shares her views and those of others as they navigate the evolving landscape of Guyanese theatre. She highlights the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of theatre practitioners, including the excitement surrounding the upcoming play The Untold. Through their voices, Deandra delves into the rich cultural significance of theatre in Guyana and the collective call for greater support to elevate the industry to new heights.
—
Guyana’s theatre boasts a rich and vibrant history, reflecting the nation’s creative spirit, socio-political shifts, and cultural diversity.
Rooted in a fusion of African, Indian, European, and Indigenous traditions, Guyanese theatre serves as both a platform for artistic expression and a mirror to the country’s multifaceted identity.
The Struggles and Triumphs of a Guyanese Actress
After graduating from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama and being inducted into the National Drama Company of Guyana in 2018, it became apparent that my aspirations of becoming an award-winning actor were somewhat of a “when fowl cock grow teeth” situation.
Deandra Daniels, a young theatre actress (Photo by Abiké Barker)
While studying at the University of Guyana, I continued acting during my free time. “Work,” however, is a generous term—I wasn’t paid a penny. Instead, I’d receive a “Thank you” or a meal as compensation.
Invited to perform poetry or skits at various events, I was often repaid with kind gestures. While appreciated, such gestures were far from enough for a struggling student.
Frustration, aimlessness, and a sense of invisibility clouded my foray into acting.
Limited funding and a lack of contacts left me feeling forgotten. However, my fortunes shifted in 2019 when I debuted with the National Drama Company in Musings of a Poet: Part 1, receiving much acclaim for my performance.
COVID-19 and the Resilience of the Creative Arts
Then came 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic silenced theatres and paralysed the social world. With no union or representation to support actors, I turned my back on acting, took an internship, and focused on my studies.
The National Drama Company, founded in 2015, is relatively new.
In contrast, the Theatre Guild Playhouse of Guyana has been a cornerstone of the arts since the 1960s. According to a 2021 article by Al Creighton Jr., the playhouse, built in 1962, became the cultural capital of the nation.
It was the superior institution for theatre, serving as an unofficial drama school. Its graduates, including Eugene Williams, who later led the Jamaica School of Drama, and Henry Mootoo, who headed cultural institutions in the Cayman Islands, went on to shape professional theatre across the Caribbean.
The dust of the pandemic settled, and renewed hope in theatre emerged as funding for the Creative Arts Industries in Guyana gained momentum.
The Untold: A Tale of New Beginnings and Dark Secrets
Since 2022, I have lived the actress’s dream—albeit the Guyanese version, where day jobs remain essential. Earning actual money from my craft, I’ve sought advice from seasoned colleagues on the fine art of negotiating my worth.
Currently, I am rehearsing for The Untold at the iconic Theatre Guild Playhouse. Written, directed, and produced by Colleen Humphrey, this play explores new beginnings.
Rehearsals ongoing for the play
Sixteen-year-old Deandria, after her mother’s arrest for drug trafficking, moves in with her aunt and uncle. What unfolds is a dark and sinister tale.
Humphrey, a multi-award-winning actress, steps into the role of director and writer for the first time. Known for her work in radio’s Murendoi and TV’s Those People, she also hosts workshops to foster dramatic growth.
Reflecting on the state of theatre, she shares: “We are not paid well for our talent, as it takes a lot of hard work to be someone else, and still have a normal life, members of the theatre fraternity should respect one’s ability to make changes without being blackballed or blacklisted.
“Every artist has flaws; most of us are a bit crazy to tell you the truth. I’d like to see theatre in Guyana on bigger screens.
“We have good actors/actresses and should have that opportunity, I’d like to see a shift in control, we have older ones who had that exposure. I’d like to see the younger people do the same and more – directing and producing, taking Guyana into a new multimedia environment locally and globally”.
Voices from the Stage: Actors Reflect on Theatre in Guyana
Joining the cast is Menelik Quarless, playing Edwin Roberts, a wealthy entrepreneur haunted by childhood abuse. This marks Quarless’s stage debut.
He remarks: “I believe this new installment The Untold has the potential to become another first step and a groundbreaker throughout the arts in Guyana. I believe some hardships faced in the theatre industry in Guyana are lack of inclusivity in a holistic sense, capital equitability for artists and backstage assistant and management.
“I would like to see more accessibility for those who may not necessarily be a part of the arts but have a talent, joy or love for it and may potentially awaken their own craft. The theatre needs more publications and assistance to build its platform even more significantly in Guyana. The Untold, I think will do just that.”
Tristana Roberts is in her 18th year of teaching. A zumba instructor, a model and has been in the arts for over 30 years. She has been in dance productions, dramatic presentations, musicals and a few advertisements. She also does voiceover work for radio and documentaries.
Roberts shared her point of view as an experienced actress in the industry.
“I enjoy everything culturally Guyanese and am a part of the annual Mashramani celebrations in some way or the other. I believe that the Arts allow for freedom of expression and that performance artists achieve magic when they are together.
“I play the role of ‘Ella’. I’m a depressed married woman who drowns her sorrows in alcohol and pills because she has been trying for years to become pregnant with no success. I think that most people in Guyana believe that Theatre is on a downward spiral.
“The majority of persons seem to only want to go to the theatre for comedy shows, especially those including slapstick, as these are the ones that have the most corporate backing. Theatre in Guyana needs a lot of help from others, the little theatre practitioners we have here presently, cannot do it alone”.
Kevin Smith is an Advertising Officer at the Department of Public Information, where he serves as a key part of the public relations arm of the government. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering, always looking for ways to enrich his life and give back to his community.
One of his favourite quotes is “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
He plays the character of Bentick, a steadfast and loyal friend to Edwin, always by his side through thick and thin. His devotion to Edwin knows no bounds, for true friendship means standing firm when the world around us shakes. Smith’s thoughts on the industry are as follows.
“Theatre in Guyana is a wonderful and important part of the country’s cultural expression. It has the power to highlight the unique stories, struggles, and triumphs of the people here. The performances I see often reflect the richness of our traditions, history, and the diversity of voices in this nation.
“However, I believe we have the potential to do so much more. We could see greater collaboration across genres, bringing together theatre with other forms of art like music, dance, and visual arts to create even more immersive and impactful performances.
“Expanding access to theatre education and offering more training opportunities would also allow future generations of performers and creatives to take the industry to new heights.”
Rehearsals ongoing for the play
End notes
In conclusion, like my colleagues I would agree that more attention in terms of funding, advertising and advocacy needs to be driven into theatre. The Guyanese population must understand theatre as a prestigious form of artistry and not as a necessary nuisance to society.
Youth should know that proper training, attention and focus are needed to completely transform yourself into another person and become something else entirely in order to entertain.
There is that surge of electricity that passes through your body as you stand on a stage in front of hundreds and your innate ability to focus is conflicting with the lines in your head and the coordination of your feet.
The reintroduction of theatre as an art form in Guyana begins on the 28th and 29th of December at 8pm when The Untold graces the stage of the Theatre Guild Playhouse.
Words I can use to describe my acting career to date? Hope, Love, Purpose.
(Reuters) Suriname’s former President Desi Bouterse has died aged 79, the country’s government said on Wednesday, almost a year after he fled authorities to avoid jail following his conviction over the murder of 15 political activists in 1982.
“The government has been informed through the family and its own investigations of the passing of Mr. D. Bouterse, ex-President of the Republic of Suriname,” Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin told Reuters.
The former leader died on Tuesday, the government said, without confirming where, or even which country. Last week Surinamese authorities raided his home – where supporters gathered to pay their respects on Wednesday morning – but did not find him.
Bouterse dominated politics in the tiny South American country for decades, leading a coup in 1980 and finally leaving office in 2020.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a public advisory regarding the deteriorating air quality across the Low Coastal Plain, including Georgetown and surrounding areas. Since December 23, 2024, air quality has been in the ‘Unhealthy’ range, with conditions worsening to ‘Very Unhealthy’ in Georgetown. Meanwhile, Whim in Berbice is experiencing ‘Unhealthy’ air quality.
Current Situation
EPA’s air quality monitoring stations in Eccles and Central Georgetown have recorded PM2.5 levels that far exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for good air quality. The decline in air quality is primarily attributed to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), caused by:
• Saharan Dust: Fine particles from the Saharan Air Layer, consisting of sand, dirt, and dust from North Africa, are carried across the Atlantic Ocean by upper atmospheric air currents.
• High Humidity: Contributing to the concentration and persistence of these particles in the air.
This combination has resulted in the visible haze enveloping the Low Coastal Plain, including Georgetown and its environs. The EPA forecasts that these conditions will persist until the late evening of December 26, 2024.
Protect Yourself: Precautionary Measures
Residents are strongly advised to take the following precautions to minimize health risks associated with poor air quality:
• Limit Outdoor Activities: Particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
• Wear Masks Outdoors: If outdoor activities are unavoidable, use a mask.
• Monitor Your Health: Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or other respiratory issues.
The EPA is closely monitoring air quality conditions and will provide regular updates as necessary. For near real-time updates on the Air Quality Index in your area, visit the EPA’s website: https://epaguyana.org/
Following the conclusion of the historic Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) multi-year agreement with respect to employment benefits for public servants for years 2024 to 2025,Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh affirmed Tuesday that69,000 Public Sector employees including Members of the Disciplined Services and Government pensioners received their 10 percent across-the-board increase last week, placing $18Billion in additional disposable income in their hands.
Additionally, over 12,000 members of the Disciplined Services received their year-end One-Month Bonus today amounting to $1.8 billion. The year-end bonus has been a consistent initiative of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) since its return to office in 2020 and prior.
It was only in October last and following the conclusion of the Government of Guyana and the Guyana’s Teacher’s Union (GTU) multi-year agreement on salaries and non-salaries benefits for teachers covering the period 2024 to 2026, that teachers were also paid a 10 percent salary increase placing over $2.5 billion of additional disposable income in the hands of our over 14,000 educators.
This year’s salary increase for public servants brings the cumulative total of across-the-board increases to 35 percent over the last four years. Further, as agreed in the multi-year agreements, the GOG and GTU and GPSU an 8 percent salary increase to be paid to all public servants and teachers for 2025, which would amount to a 46 percent cumulative salary increase over the five years from 2021 to 2025.
A public sector worker getting his $100,000 cah grant from Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
The GOG / GPSU agreement also caters for “Debunching” of salaries within the public service with effect from July 1st, 2024 in order to recognize longevity of service, the introduction of qualification allowances for persons who would have furthered studies in an area relevant to official duties such as $15,000 for those who attained ACCA, $22,000 for persons with a Master’s Degree and $32,000 for those with a Doctorate, a $5,000 annual increase in uniform allowance for current eligible categories of health sector workers, an increase in traveling and subsistence allowances and a housing allowance of $35,000 monthly for public servants on secondment/transfer to hinterland locations.effective January 1st, 2025.
Meanwhile, similar successful agreements in 2024 between Government and other Unions have been inked marking a historical milestone for Government and its industrial relations with unions and workers. On December 11 last, The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) on behalf of Government,and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) also completeda three-year agreement that allows for significant wage/salary increases to the nation’s dedicated sugar workers, ensuring they receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. The terms of the agreement include an across-the-board pay rise of ten percentfor 2024, an across-the-board pay rise of eight percentfor 2025and an across-the-board pay rise of nine percent for 2026.
In addition, the Government also successfully reached an agreement with the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) on December 10, for another historic three-year agreement that resulted in staff receiving a 10 percent salary increase for2024, whilean 8 percent increase will be paid in 2025, and a 9 percent increase in 2026.
In a recent interview with the press, Dr. Singh alluding to the increase,said that the salary boost reflects the PPP/C government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the nation’s workforce, adding that itdoes not include several other government initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of citizens. Some of these initiatives include affordable housing, world class health care and major infrastructural development countrywide which benefits thousands of Guyanese, including public servants.He described the deal with the GPSU as “historic”, marking the first-ever multi-year agreement concluded by any government with the union in recent memory.
“I think it’s well-known that we have for a very long time tried to conclude multi-year agreements with the major unions representing public sector employees,” the Senior Minister said as he further highlighted the active ongoing engagements between President Mohamed Ali’s government and major trade union representatives countrywide. He also reiterated the government’s proactive stance in increasing the pay and benefits of public sector employees.
In addition to the major agreements signed for 2024, Government has continued to show its commitment to the well-being of the members of the Disciplined Services continuing the trend since its last term in office and upon its return in 2020 of granting them a one-monthyear-end bonus. The bonus was again this year announced by President Ali amounting to $1.8 billion for the benefit of over 12,000 members of the Disciplined Services.
“This is a demonstration of our commitment again to improving your welfare,” President Ali emphasised as he explained to the Servicemen that,“The job of a soldier is not defined. The job of a soldier requires agility. It requires continuous training. It requires discipline, commitment, fitness.
“It requires a life that is very much different…a life that is selfless, one that is completely dedicated to the protection and the safeguard of our country and our people.”
The President also used the opportunity of theChristmas luncheon at Base Camp Seweyowhere he made the announcement on Saturdaylast, torecognise the officers for their hard work and dedication to serve the nation.
Dr. Singh thanked staff of the finance department who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure that the increases were paid out in time for the Christmas season to eligible persons.
Since returning to office in August 2020, Government has implemented a multitude of measures to improve the lives of public servants and Guyanese at large, including:
The payment of a 7 percent across-the-board increase in 2021, followed by 8 percent in 2022 and an additional 6.5 percent last year, cumulating to a 23 percent salary increase over the period.
The restoration of the one-month tax-free year-end bonus to the disciplined services, placing over $6 billion in the hands of the members of the disciplined over the period 2020 to 2024.
An increase in the income tax threshold from $65,000 to $75,000 monthly in 2022, to $85,000 monthly in 2023, then further to $100,000 monthly at the beginning of this year, placing over $9 billion of additional disposable income in the hands of our workers.
A 75.6 percent increase in the monthly old-age pension from $20,500 monthly in 2020 to $36,000 monthly this year.
A more than doubling of the public assistance payments from $9,000 monthly in 2020, to $19,000 monthly this year.
Restoration of the cash grants to the parents of school-aged children, increasing the amount provided for each child to $40,000 and extending the programme to children attending private schools. Together with the $5,000 uniform grants, this amounts to $45,000 per child and aggregates to an over $26 billion injection into the homes of school children over the period 2021 to 2024.
A 36 percent increase in the minimum wage for private sector employees to $60,147, in keeping with the recommendations of the tripartite committee.
Salary adjustments for 5,000 health workers and almost 9,000 members of the disciplined services implemented to resolve anomalies across comparable positions in the public service, placing an additional $3 billion into their hands.
In addition, in 2023, prior to the 2024 agreement with the GTU, adjustments were made to the salary and allowances of Graduate Teachers.
This President Ali-led Government remains dedicated to supporting workers and has consistently emphasized a comprehensive approach to enhancing their quality of life, with salary increases being just one component of the broader benefits envisioned (Ministry of Finance press release)
As the season of Yuletide embraces us, families come together in love and joy, and communities celebrate in unique ways, sharing warmth and goodwill. It is a time cherished by children for treats, gifts, and special festive meals. In this spirit, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends heartfelt Christmas greetings to all Guyanese, with special regards to our Christian brothers and sisters.
The story of the Christ child’s birth inspires hope, transforming sorrow into celebration. His journey, from humble beginnings in a manger to becoming a beacon of love and compassion, exemplifies breaking barriers, embracing the marginalized, uplifting the voiceless, and challenging injustice. His life’s message brought salvation and light to the world, guiding humanity toward hope and unity.
This season, let us remember the elderly, differently-abled, and underprivileged in our communities. May our acts of caring and sharing extend even to strangers, reflecting the true Guyanese spirit of multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious harmony. The message of love is universal and resonates deeply with us all.
The People’s Progressive Party joins all Guyanese in celebrating the birth of the Christ child while reflecting on its profound meaning. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas filled with joy, love, and peace.
See below full message from the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC):
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm Christmas greetings and fellowship to every Guyanese, especially the Christian community.
As our Christian brothers and sisters honour this piteous occasion, let us collectively as a unified nation embrace the true spirit of Christmas in peace and goodwill to all humankind as Jesus, the Christ came to offer all of us.
The feeling of togetherness among Guyanese at Christmastime is an enduring tradition in the psyche of the nation. The ‘season of goodwill’ and all religious observances play a unifying role in spreading harmony, peace and understanding throughout our multicultural society.
Indeed, the attractively decorated residences and offices, sharing gifts, and fraternizing with friends and loved ones all lend to the aura of festivity that dominates nationally during this period, and the ERC understands the deeper significance that the outward symbols demonstrate.
More importantly, let us remember the benevolence of sharing to the less fortunate. The Commission fervently believes that every Guyanese should commit to spreading that generosity, compassion and bonding in the year ahead.
The Chairman, Commissioners and staff extend profound wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, shared optimism, kindness and blessings.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Residents were treated to drinks, food and music
Residents were treated to drinks, food and music
Vice President of the Dharm Shala, Pamela Ramsaroop
President Ali also distributed toys to the children of the community in the spirit of spreading joy during this season</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-200×300.jpeg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-684×1024.jpeg” class=” wp-image-190440″ alt=”” width=”394″ height=”590″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-scaled.jpeg 1709w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-200×300.jpeg 200w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-684×1024.jpeg 684w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-768×1150.jpeg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-1025×1536.jpeg 1025w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-1367×2048.jpeg 1367w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-280×420.jpeg 280w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-640×959.jpeg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-24-at-10.44.06-PM-681×1020.jpeg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 394px) 100vw, 394px”><figcaption class=)
Deandra Daniels, a young theatre actress (Photo by Abiké Barker) 100vw, 1920px”><figcaption class=)
Rehearsals ongoing for the play 100vw, 1920px”><figcaption class=)
Rehearsals ongoing for the play Mark Phillips </p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-300×200.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-1024×682.jpg” class=”size-full wp-image-190424″ src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n.jpg” alt=”” width=”1280″ height=”853″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n.jpg 1280w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-300×200.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-1024×682.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-768×512.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-630×420.jpg 630w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-640×427.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/471332127_906644184985367_6566555234693464431_n-681×454.jpg 681w” sizes=”(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px”><figcaption class=)
A public sector worker getting his $100,000 cah grant from Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips