The First Family of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and wife Ayra Ali, hosted State House Christmas Cheer 2022, where they were serenaded by a diverse group of musicians on Main Street, in Georgetown.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) the Honorable Mark Phillips, and wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips, as well as Ministers of the Government, the diplomatic corps, and nationals, enjoyed the Christmas Eve concert of goodwill, that was hosted outside of the One Guyana Christmas Village, decorated with thousands of fairy lights, and novelty display.
From a Quadriplegic singer in a wheelchair, to a blind vocalist, and Santa Claus, the evening of festive excellence filled the air with ‘Cheer and Joy” and featured popular carols like, Joy to the World & Angels We Have Heard on High, by the Queens College Choir, to Someday at Christmas by Simeon Raywaram, to Y3K’s Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, Tidings of Comfort by Melisa Vandeyar & Company, Roy Stuart’s This Christmas, and Alessandra Ramson, with Christmas In my Heart.
Smiles were put on the faces of children who received presents, and were treated to goody bags, from food boots, inside and outside of the venue.
Other star-studded performers included Jackie Jaxx, Vinel Hinds, Aw lyrical, Kartizzma, Amanda Beharry, the National Dance Company, Nia Angelique, The Brass Side, Gavin Mendoza and Chucky, Joanna Singh, the East Coast Cultural Group, Edon Singh, and the Guyana Police Force Band.
In his Christmas message to the nation, President Ali, said; “The First Lady and I and our son Zayd extend heartfelt greetings to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, and especially to our Christian Brothers and Sisters on this joyous occasion of Christmas. It is truly a blessing for us to greet you all on this wonderful occasion.”
The nativity of Jesus also reminds us that we are all called to be part of the wider human family, a family united in expressing concern and solidarity with each other. We are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and custodians of God’s magnificent creation.
Today, our human family faces many challenges. God’s creation, established to provide for our needs, is under threat by the climate crisis. Conflict between and within countries has occasioned deaths, destruction, and suffering and have exacerbated the hardships occasioned by the global health crisis.
The true meaning of Christmas is to be found in the humbleness and simplicity of Christ’s nativity. It invites us to manifest a spirit of solidarity with the wider human family, and especially the vulnerable in our midst – the sick, the hungry, the poor, the destitute, and the infirm. As members of the wider human family, we have a responsibility to attend to the needs of the less.
As we celebrate the joyous Season of Christmas, let us work towards promoting that spirit of oneness within our country.
Let us remain steadfast in our quest for unity. Let us ensure that no weapon, formed to divide our human family, prospers! And let us empty our hearts and larders in helping the needy. In giving, we will find great happiness,” he said.
