Secure the gift of childhood this Christmas – First Lady

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar is urging all Guyanese to “commit to ensuring that the great gift of childhood is made secure for every child in Guyana.”

In a Christmas message disseminated by GINA last evening, Mrs Ramotar urged all Guyanese to reach out to our children especially to those in need and to speak out and stand up for those who face abuse and exploitation.

“A child’s potential can only be fully realized if that child is brought up in an environment of love, understanding and support. Every child should be treated with dignity.

Yet we know that many of our children are unable to enjoy their childhood because they find themselves in situations of abuse or exploitation which forces them to forego the fun and enjoyment of being a child,” she was quoted as saying.

“Children are our special responsibility. I believe that we can do more for them. In fact we must strive to do much more. We must.”

The First Lady said she knew there were many who were fully committed to this task and “I wish to thank them all… I also wish to thank the many persons whose countless acts of support have helped make a positive difference in the lives of our children.”

According to Gins, she said she hoped this Christmas would awaken in all of us that natural impulse to show affection, to nurture all the children of Guyana so that no child ever goes to bed hungry, sleeps on our streets, is denied schooling, suffers harm and abuse or has his/her mind poisoned by prejudice and hatred.

Children are at the centre of the religious and secular aspects of Christmas, Mrs Ramotar said. The Christmas story revolves around the birth of a child, born not to great wealth and comfort, but lowly and defenceless in a manger. She noted that Christmas is a special time for children; a period of great excitement as they look forward to the many activities held in their honour, anticipate receiving gifts and having fun over the holidays. It is true to say that Christmas is one the holiest and happiest periods for children, she added.

“Over the past few days, I have hosted or been part of many celebrations for children and I have seen how their small faces light up with excitement and happiness.

It is my wish that the special attention that is shown to our children at this time of the year and the deep feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction that come from reaching out to these impressionable minds, will motivate all of us to continue to do more for the children of Guyana so as to rid our society of all forms of child abuse, be it verbal or physical.

Children represent the promise of tomorrow. The generation that we mould today will inherit and determine the future of our country. We must therefore cherish our children and ensure that they are free to realize their God- given potential,” GINA quoted the First Lady as saying.