Department of Public Information, Guyana

Tag: toy distribution

PM Phillips spreads holiday cheer in Georgetown, East Coast communities

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips brought Christmas cheer to a number of communities on Wednesday, through several toy and hamper distribution exercises.

The prime minister distributed hundreds of toys and hampers in the communities of Rasville, West Ruimveldt, Festival City, Beterverwagting, and the Dazzle Housing Scheme.

A Rasville resident, Jasmine Sampson said the distribution exercise is in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.

“I think it’s good for the youths and all the children in Rasville, as well as the residents. We’re very grateful for everything,” she said.

Birthley Vyphuis from West Ruimveldt shared similar sentiments, adding, “I’m glad to have this hamper, and I’m so glad that the prime minister visited our area, and is loving us, sharing with us, and giving to us.”

PM Phillips distributes toys and hampers in various communities in Georgetown and along the East Coast

PM Phillips reiterated the government’s commitment to the initiative, as it fosters greater joy and unity.

“We sent toys to Berbice, and we also sent toys to Linden, and we have another set, based on the request from the community of Kuru Kuru,” the PM said.

The Office of the Prime Minister intends to distribute a total of 3,600 toys and over 1,000 hampers to residents in various parts of Guyana. Cabinet ministers have been fanning out in the various regions as part of this annual exercise, aimed at bringing smiles to the children and residents during the festive season.

December 21, 2023
Amerindian Affairs Ministry takes Christmas cheer to Region 8

The faces of children in the North Pakaraimas mountains lit up on Sunday after receiving Christmas gifts from Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.

Children in Region Eight receiving gifts from Minister Sukhai and other officials.

Minister Sukhai and a team from her ministry and the region traversed some of the tallest mountains in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), delivering the joy of Christmas through a toy distribution exercise.

The team visited Kato, Kurukabaru, Kamana, Kanapang, Itabac, Monkey Mountain, and Arasawa, ensuring that no child is without a toy for Christmas.

Children in Region Eight receiving gifts from Minister Sukhai and other officials.

She said the government will continue to serve all Guyanese regardless of their geographical location.

“His Excellency (Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali) has developed this as an initiative to bring some joy and happiness for this season. We continue to work in the interest of all the people of Guyana; this includes you.

Don’t matter how far you are from the capital city; we are providing the resource to begin this path to prosperity for the people. Our government will ensure that no village, no community, and no satellite be left behind.”

Children in Region Eight receiving gifts from Minister Sukhai and other officials.

The ministry is distributing 8,000 toys. Minister Sukhai’s team will journey over the next few days to the other areas to continue the distribution.

Private sector companies including Gold Target Export, have partnered with the government to execute the toy drive.

Representative of the company, Christian Baksh, also accompanied the minister on the distribution.

He noted that it brings him joy to support the children in the hinterland.

“We do hope that you enjoy what we have brought for you and hope it brings you happiness during the season.”

It is a continuation of the toy distribution which began last year. Gold Target Export was also a key sponsor in 2021.

It is also just one of the initiatives of the government which targets children.

It was the PPP/C Administration that returned the ‘Because We Care’ cash grants to school children across the country, the hinterland included.

In 2021, children in all public nursery, primary and secondary schools across the country received $15,000 under the Because We Care initiative and $4,000 to purchase school uniforms. This was an increase from the previous amount they received under the previous PPP/C Government, which was $10,000 for the Because We Care grant and $2,000 for school uniforms.

Now in 2022, that grant has been increased by more than 50 per cent, as each school child has received $30,000.

The project was also extended to all private school students as well.

December 18, 2022
Another 500 smiles – Christmas delivered to Berbice

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, December 15, 2019

Another 500 children from the East Berbice Corentyne were showered with early Christmas gifts as the Government spread holiday cheer for the season.

The No. 53 Community Centre, on the Corentyne Coast this morning, was filled with scores of excited youngsters as they receive their gifts from Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally and her team.

A member of the Ministry of Social Protection team helps to share gifts to the little ones

Little ones with their gifts

Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally shares a moment with one of the children.

A member of the Ministry of Social Protection team helps to share gifts to the little ones

Scenes from the gift distribution exercise

“No. 53 is one of the places that is close to our hearts and so His Excellency President David Granger has asked me to visit this area and make sure that I extend on his behalf Christmas greeting to all of you. So, I want to say Merry Christmas, and I know 2020 is going to be a rewarding year,” Minister Ally told those gathered.

The Social Protection Minister further urged the children to “be safe during the Christmas season.”

Additionally, she spread Christmas cheer along the route on her journey back to the city. The minister delivered gifts to police officers on duty at the Berbice River Bridge outpost and staff members at Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated.

Plantain chip vendors plying their trade at the bridge entrance also benefited from the toy distribution.

Today’s event followed a similar exercise hosted by Education Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nicolette Henry on Saturday at two locations in Region 6.

December 15, 2019
President spreads Christmas cheer at Lusignan

Georgetown, Guyana – (December 18, 2017) With Christmas mere days away, President David Granger, Saturday, continued his annual toy distribution exercise, aimed and bringing cheer to children across the country, at the Lusignan/Good Hope Learning Centre, where over 200 children from surrounding villages received toys. He was assisted by Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally.

President David Granger distributing toys to the children of Lusignan/Good Hope and surrounding areas.

The President’s holiday season visits to this community have become a tradition, which the children and parents of the area appreciate and look forward to. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world, today we celebrate our friendship and our fellowship…even though all of you are not Christians, some of you may be Hindus and some of you may be Muslims,” the President said.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Shivdat family of Lusignan, who has been working with members of the Diaspora in the United States of America to operate the Centre as a place for learning for children, out of school youths and even adults. In 2015, the Government of Guyana donated $2M to the Centre to support its work.

Clearly, this little lady finds the President far more fascinating.

A hug for the President to show her appreciation.

Beautiful, curious faces of Lusignan.

Beautiful, curious faces of Lusignan.

Beautiful, curious faces of Lusignan.

December 18, 2017