What the people say about…
Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius
and photos by Jules Gibson
This week we asked the man and woman in the street to reveal what are some of the items on their gift list, what they are giving and what they hope to get.
Philbert Richards, community activist
`To be honest one has expectation around this time of the festive season. One would always have large amounts of wants and needs especially a family person like me. I would want to put the children first and so doing, I went on Logos Hope and bought some expensive books since books have value for life.
On the recreational side, I’ll get the children some toys, clothing and a few sports pieces. As for what I’m expecting in return, being that I’m an individual I would want to have a reasonable income. With that, I can do a thousand things.’
Suzette, private sector employee
`Generally I don’t make a gift list. I just get some gifts for my family and I’m expecting the joy that comes with the season and the warmth and love, all those things which you really can’t find under the tree.’
Gabby Caceres, student
`Perfumes are on my gift list. I am getting perfumes for everybody. I’ll gift them perfume and love and in return I’m expecting lots of love.’
Karishma Sookraj, student
`On my gift list is Victoria Secrets for my friends. I’m getting them this basically because everybody loves it I guess. On my list of things I’d like to receive are clothes. I especially like dresses so that would be my ideal gift.’
Priyanka Sookraj, student
`I am giving clothes, perfumes and maybe chocolate to friends on my list because it’s generally what my friends will like. I am not really sure what I want to get for Christmas. I have everything already. I have my friends; I have clothes maybe if I get things that I can use, like flats, or something.’
Elton Samson, private sector employee
`In terms of giving, I would just be buying gifts for my children and family. For my mom, she always wanted a food processor so I’ll get her that. For my sisters, I’ll get them home appliances. I know one wants a sandwich maker. Maybe I’ll get all three a sandwich maker.
In terms of receiving, I have absolutely no expectations. In terms of this gift giving thing, I think it’s commercial. Merchants are just trying to get you to buy things that you don’t need or already have. But I’m doing it for the children because you know how they look forward to this time of the year. And since my house is in need of some things I’ll get some appliances for me but I won’t overdo it’.
Junior Christie, visiting Guyanese
`I just brought down some clothing and stuff to distribute. You see for me, it depends on the person and since most persons need money, I share stuff or just give them the money.
I’m not really looking forward to anything and while I don’t have everything, I am satisfied. I am not expecting anything. ‘
Pauline, public sector employee
`I am not into the whole gift giving thing for the Christmas at this time. You see, I had recently lost my uncle and brother within 24 hours of each other recently and so I’m still in mourning so I won’t really be celebrating much this year. ‘
Mark Ross, volunteer
`It’s the first Christmas I’ll be spending alone and I think I’m most likely to be home. As for gifts to give, I’m involved with a volunteering organisation and we’ll be giving out books to children at a Christmas party. So I give my services every year. Also I will be cooking Guyanese food for my boss, who is Japanese. He has never had Guyanese food so I’m doing that. I also plan to give blood and I think that it is a resolution that everybody should make. They should give the gift of life and that is a little blood.’
Latchman Nakhul, UG student
`Personally, I’ll get some household stuff for my mom back in Berbice and I am expecting to receive something since my birthday is the day before Christmas. I would really like to have a new laptop. It would be nice to have a laptop especially since it’s on top of my list. ‘
