Local News

Continuing annual Christmas party tradition

St. George’s, December 18, 2011 – Grenada’s senior citizens have been advised to be watchful of their health, even as they participate in the sharing of food and other enjoyments of Christmas.

“If you’re on medication, please follow your doctor’s instructions at all times, even at Christmas. And always try and eat property,’’ MP Peter David told a packed room at Court Lily of the Valley on upper Market Hill on Saturday, December 17.

It was one of several Christmas-related events he and other MPs of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) attended over the weekend in Grenada and Carriacou.

In one of the largest events, close to more than 900 children and parents participated in the annual South St. George’s children’s Christmas party at Camerhogne Park, Grand Anse.

“It was our best-ever,’’ boasted Glynis Roberts, MP for South St. George and Minister of Labour.

Other areas of St. George’s that hosted parties, where toys were distributed and free food and drinks offered to children, included Darbeau and Queen’s Park.

The parties continue into this final week leading up to Christmas and Mr. David, General Secretary of the NDC, said it is a tradition of the party.

“As members of the party – in opposition and now in government – we have had a tradition of taking special care of children and the elderly in our communities every Christmas,’’ said Mr. David, who is MP for the Town of St. George and also Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture.

“Much of the success of the efforts is due to the support of many good friends and supporters at home and in the Diaspora who provide who us with toys, food stuff and other items. We’re eternally grateful to all the donors and we want to thank them.’’

In some instances, MPs are asked to contribute to an organization’s Christmas undertaking. This is what happened with the Court Lily of the Valley Christmas celebration organized by parishioners of the St. George’s Anglican Church.

Each year, MP David is invited to donate food and join the celebration of dinner and caroling.

“I want to wish everybody a merry Christmas. I wish you wonderful health and I hope the New Year is better than the one just ending,’’ Mr. David said Saturday. “I know it’s not easy times but God is good.’’

The Anglicans have been organizing their Christmas event for a quarter of a century, with help from individuals and the corporate community.

According to one organizer, Ms. Pamela Steele, it’s primarily intended for persons 60 years and older.

One does not have to be an Anglican to participate, she explained.

The Christmas dinner forms parts of the Anglican Church’s Community Programme for the Poor, which also includes ongoing activities such as praying, hymnal singing and the serving of hot meals.

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