Ivor Thompson: A true lover of the festive season

Ivor, his wife Vanessa and their daughters, Ivana, Chelauna and Ikia in a family portrait at Christmas.

Christmas is a merry time for many but for one man, in his own words, it is “the happiest time in my life” and he continues, “no one in this world likes Christmas more than me.”

Birthdays and Father’s Day are rarely celebrated by Ivor Thompson but when it comes to Christmas in Guyanese terms, “he goes to town and back” with the celebration. He has appropriated his birthday and Father’s Day as “my days,” as he does not like receiving presents; he prefers giving. But his family finds ways to honour him, including giving him the gifts prior to those days.

“On those days they can’t find me. On Father’s Day I would go