CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2003 OF HIS EXCELLENCY,
PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO

In this joyous season of Christmas, I extend best wishes to all Guyanese but especially to the members of the Christian community who are observing the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The timeless story of the birth of Jesus is a sobering reminder that beauty and holiness are often found in the simple things of life. Whatever your station in life, I take this opportunity to extend to all Guyanese and their families, wishes for a peaceful holiday season.

This year we will once again be joined for the holidays by friends and relatives from overseas. I extend a hearty welcome to all who have come to Guyana for the holidays. May your stay be truly memorable and may you enjoy our truly unique hospitality.

Each Christmas, as families unite and as friends get together, we cannot but observe the ease with which all Guyanese socialize harmoniously together. Christmas while being a Christian festival is universally celebrated and helps us to appreciate the innate value and importance of human relations, across religions, class or political affiliation.

My wish is that the spirit of human warmth which overflows at this time will serve to bring our people closer together and that this spirit of goodwill will continue to infect the nation throughout the New Year.

At this time my thoughts are also with the poor, sick and lonely. I see and read about so many wonderful demonstrations of human kindness and compassion to the less fortunate, that it convinces me that we are a caring nation and that because of these wonderful human values we share, we shall be able to collectively respond to the cries and needs of those in want.

I wish one and all a very Merry Christmas.

December 24th, 2003