Christmas cheer for Berbicians

They shared out food hampers to needy persons, held parties and distributed goodies and toys to the children.

They acknowledged this season as a time for sharing and “to give back to the community, having been successful throughout the year.”

Sea View Cultural Organization treats children

The Sea View Cultural Organization at Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice found it a pleasure to treat a number of children at its second annual Christmas party.

The children who wore their very best were treated to a scrumptious meal and lots of other goodies.

Some of the students of the Tina Insanally Foundation showcasing their talents

They played games, danced and had a good time. They were also entertained by Santa Claus and they each went home with a huge present from him.

Mohamed Odinga Tufail, a re-migrant said the organization has over 50 members with many of them residing overseas.

It was formed to teach skills to persons in the com  promote the African culture, like dancing and drumming, as well as to keep persons out of trouble.

Orphans treated at Republic Bank’s party Over 130 children from the Anjuman orphanage, Eden Home and the Alpha Homes in New Amsterdam, Berbice were not left out of the enjoyment of the Christmas season.

Some of the children pose with Santa and members of the Sea View
Cultural Organization at the party

They were guests at a grand party hosted in their honour at the NA Town Hall by the staff of the NA branch of Republic Bank. The party was being held for the fourth consecutive year.

The children had a jolly time joining with staff members to dance, sing and play games. They were also treated to a meal, toys and goodies.

Grocery hampers were also presented to the three orphanages. Branch manager, Imran Sacoor expressed pleasure at reaching out to the vulnerable and needy.

Orphans at the Republic Bank party

He urged the children to think and make positive decisions as they pass through this phase of life and that they should love and care for each other even though they are not biologically connected.

Families were also encouraged to “take more responsibilities in ensuring that our children are taken care of and not to be left on the streets wandering.”

Senior citizens’ fete The senior citizens were not left out of the celebrations and were treated to a meal, gift and cultural entertainment by the Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) of that village.

At the first party held in their honour at the Cotton Tree Primary School, the elderly residents said the party was “a surprise and a real treat; it made us feel special.”

They told this newspaper that it was “good that the PYO remember us…

God would bless them for what they did for us.”

Regional vice-chairman and vice-chairman of the Cotton Tree PYO, Rion Peters told Stabroek News that the main idea for hosting the event was “to show appreciation for the contributions” made by the old folks.

He said some of the guests were “shut-ins and we made an effort to bring them out to reconnect and socialize with friends they haven’t met for a long time.”

Also present to celebrate with the elders was regional chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth who thanked them for their contribution.

Night of Caroling
In trying to pick up a seemingly dying tradition, the Tina Insanally Foundation (TIF) that was launched at Lovely Lass in April held its first night of Caroling as well as Christmas tree lighting up.

The event which attracted persons from various parts of West Berbice was also held to give the students an opportunity to showcase the skills they acquired in learning to play musical instruments.

Head of the TIF, Godfrey Richmond told this newspaper that the foundation, named after the late Tina Insanally who loved music, was formed to enhanced the lives of disadvantaged children.




-Senior citizens having a good time