Government officials extend care to less fortunate
-Human Services Ministry hosts day of fun
Georgetown, GINA, April 08, 2007
Government today extended its caring arm to close to 100 underprivileged children from institutions as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security hosted a day of fun at the National Park, Georgetown.
Children from the Drop in Centre in Georgetown, the Mahaica Children’s Home and those who were taken off the streets during the recent ‘Mission child protection’ campaign, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were also presented with kites by Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand.
“We are just trying to give the children a day of fun and reflect on the spirit of Easter, so we are out here flying kites and picnicking.”
Several ministers and other government officials gave up their busy schedules to attend the event, joining in assisting the children in flying their kites.
Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox, lauded the effort by Minister Manickchand and called on Guyanese to support the Government in its child protection programmes.
“It is really a wonderful day for these children, we are glad to see them having so much fun, because it is not easy being in a home…I have to say thank you to the Ministry of Human Services and Minister Manickchand for always thinking about such events,” Minister Fox said.
She said that the Ministry of Education continues to collaborate with other Ministries particularly Human Services and Amerindian Affairs to ensure that children are in schools and those who are not in normal situations, have the opportunity to be educated.
“We feel it is a good initiative and we thought it necessary to be a part, notwithstanding it is good that we are here with them to share the goodwill and joys of the risen lord,” Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jennifer Webster said.
“We are making them feel that they are a part of a Guyanese society, they have a contribution to make and they must grow and learn to live in peace and harmony and to share because it is important,” Minister Webster said.
She assured that Government will continue to implement programmes and initiatives where possible to improve the lives of all children, especially the underprivileged.
Personal Assistant to the President, Prakash Gossai, also lauded the effort of the Human Services Ministry.
“It is a blessing and expectation Jesus would have of those who are more fortunate, to look after the less fortunate,” he said.
Also attending the event were the wife of the British High Commissioner, Sarah Wheeler and Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Dr. Suresh Narine.
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Head of State brings joy to scores of children
-distributes kites to less fortunate
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo today brought smiles to the faces of over 200 youths from West End ‘Tiger Bay’, Georgetown and Good Hope, East Coast Demerara after distributing kites to them.
The President’s first stop was at Hope Street, West End ‘Tiger Bay’ where he was met by more than 100 eager youths.
The Head of State subsequently went to Good Hope new housing scheme where he continued the distribution of a similar number of kites.
Distributing kites has become an annual gesture of the Head of State. In 2006 more than 1000 kites were distributed to less fortunate children in Tiger Bay, Sophia, Non-Pariel, Coldingen and Section B and Block 12 Enterprise.
President Jagdeo said Easter is a joyful occasion in the lives of many youths, and urged the parents to ensure this happiness is maintained.
“Even though we could give kites to all communities it was done symbolically to some communities and I hope children enjoy themselves…” President Jagdeo said.
Tomorrow, Easter Monday, thousands of kites of all descriptions, colours and sizes will dot the April sky even as the final match for Cricket World Cup (CWC) in Guyana will be played at the National Stadium at Providence. For President Jagdeo, this game is likely to draw some of the attention away from the Easter celebrations.
He is nevertheless optimistic that the day will be celebrated in grand style since “Guyanese know how to enjoy themselves”.
Easter is highly regarded as a religious occasion to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ; Guyanese also mark the day by converging at the beaches, seawalls, parks and other open areas for kite flying and picnics.
The crucifixion of Christ as told in the gospels was pronounced by Pontius Pilate, of the Roman Empire who condemned Jesus to death for his proclamation as the ‘Messiah’ or the Lord’s appointed one, and for preaching to the world that he is the son of God who would bring deliverance to mankind
Jesus was crucified on Mount Calvary, nailed to a cross where he died and was buried in a sealed tomb. His miraculous resurrection occurred three days after.
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Bartica Regatta - a prominent tourism feature
Georgetown, GINA, April 8, 2007
Guyana’s events-tourism potential was definitely showcased over the last two days during the staging of the annual Bartica Regatta celebrations in Region Seven.
The event which has established itself as a prominent feature on the annual tourism calendar has progressed from a community- based event to one of national and international significance.
This year’s activity was marked by an overwhelming presence of foreigners and overseas-based visitors.
This is partially linked to the timing of the event to coincide with Guyana’s hosting of the International Cricket Council’s Cricket World Cup (ICC/CWC).
Government has continued to provide financial and technical support which includes supplying the top prize for the winner of the Regatta tournament.
Scores of guests including those in the country for the cricket matches, and spectators converged in Bartica to be a part of the activities associated with the event.
While other activities were staged simultaneously, the Bartica Regatta stood out as a result of innovative schemes, formulated by organisers and members of the private sector.
This included international marketing through the United States Chapter of the Bartica Regatta Committee and additional activities to cater for the large number of visitors.
This year’s celebrations displayed a unique blend of aqua-sports, culture, entertainment, pageantry and educational features.
Crystal Simmons, a University of Guyana student who resides on the West Coast Demerara won the pageant held on Saturday evening. There were contestants from other regions including Two, Three, Six and Ten.
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