The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has reached out to four senior citizens' homes in Guyana as the Secretariat's management and staff seek to spread Christmas cheer to an important segment of the population in the Community with gift items aimed at making life more comfortable for the residents and staff of the homes. The presentations took place at a handing over function attended by Secretariat staff and representatives of the homes at the Secretariat's Georgetown Headquarters on Saturday (18 December).
In keeping with the theme 'Remembering and Honouring the Elderly', and the broader mission of the Secretariat to 'Improve Life For All', the presentations came as a follow up to large scale presentation exercise which was undertaken as part of CARICOM Day 2004 commemoration on 24 July, when the Secretariat presented a variety of gift items to several senior citizens' homes across Guyana.
Speaking at the handing over function CARICOM Secretary General, His Excellency Mr. Edwin Carrington, pointed to the current festive season and its real reason – Jesus Christ and his example of caring and sharing – as a prime reason to reach out to the elderly. However he stressed that such an act of giving should not be an occasional gesture. “I want to remind us that there's more to life than festivities,” Mr. Carrington stated. He gave the assurance that the Secretariat will continue to assist the elderly where possible.
Head of the Dharam Shala Home, Harrisarran Ramsaroop, who received a quantity of medical supplies for residents, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Secretary General and CARICOM staff. He said the medications will greatly assist the home in its extension of medical care to residents, who also receive food, clothing and shelter from the 83 year-old benevolent organisation.
Ms. Bibi Webster, volunteer worker and executive of the Ivy Hall Memorial Home also expressed gratitude for the Secretariat's presentation of vinolay to the home. A beaming Ms Webster said, “It will enhance the home, lift the spirits of the residents and make cleaning easier for workers.”
Meanwhile, the New Nazareth Home was the recipient of four two-burner gas stoves, which will aid in the preparation of warm meals for its residents, according to Ms Barbara Caesar, a volunteer worker. She posited that the Secretariat has given generously on the occasion of the CARICOM Day activity, and continues to give, for which she and the residents of the home are thankful.
The Palms Home for the Elderly also received a quantity of vinolay to enhance the floors of the centennial institution. Nurse Lorraine Giddings, who received the items, said the gesture is encouraging and provides a source of hope to those who are caring for residents of the Palms.
Contact:
Carolyn Walcott
Tel: 592-226-9281-9 ext 2418
E-mail: cwalcott@caricom.org
