Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Santa arrives in New Amsterdam

Dec 14, 2009 News

NEW AMSTERDAM, BERBICE – Jolly old St. Nick rode in to town on the Bhivar Caroling Truck last Friday causing a mad rush among some residents of New Amsterdam as he handed out Christmas gifts to passersby.

Initially, the truck was intended to make 15 stops at strategic points to dole out the items to underprivileged children only, but this was not to be.

When the vehicle took off from their Lot 1 Main Street location at around 19:00 hours, it attracted large crowds along the way thus forcing the co-ordinators to give out the toys, confectionery, beverages and other goodies to anyone on the spot.

The vehicle, decked with Santa Claus, his elves, other helpers along with a local music set, blasted Christmas Carols as it proceeded along the Main Street all the way to the Gay Park boundary and back to the starting point.

It was the Bhivar Computers way of expressing gratitude for support they received throughout the year. Managing Director of Bhivar Computers, Varindra Bhikhai, said his team started their mission with about 10,000 items including toys. This was the biggest charity drive in New Amsterdam up to Friday.

“It was a unique way of spreading Christmas cheer, it was designed and planned to coincide with the start of the holiday season for the children and our way to kick-start the Christmas spirit.”

According to Mr. Bhikhai, many aspects of the Season are now commercialised and this overshadows the true meaning of Christmas.

He opined that it has become a situation where people must spend something in order to derive benefits from entities and many are interested in having persons invest in their business before giving back to society.

“It’s become so commercial that if you see a truck driving around, giving out things, all they are giving out are flyers and other items to promote their business. What I did was solely for the sake of giving and to spread the Christmas joy.”

Even before the exercise commenced, some children arrived at the office location knowing it would be a very Merry Christmas for them.

Eleven-year-old Troy of Mara said he travelled to New Amsterdam to get his share of goodies. “One, one Christmas I does get gifts but not every time. Me not sure if me getting anything for Christmas, me ain’t getting nuttin’ at home, so I come to get me Christmas gift now.”

A 13-year old Angoy’s Ave boy said that was his moment to stock up for the best season of the year, “Me ain’t get none things home, me want these toys to play with and we glad to get them.”

Onica, a 14-year old Angoy’s Avenue resident was on the scene about 60 minutes before the take off time, “Me aunty tell we they sharing out free toys and thing and so we come out to get we gifts. I always wanted a dolly.”

To Varindra Bhikhai, the Good Samaritan behind the free distribution exercise, Onica said, “I would say thanks for the effort you make to give these gift to children of New Amsterdam because some of them children wouldn’t have any gifts or anything at home and may God continue to bless him so he can continue to help us.”

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with GFF for Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup

Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with GFF for Maid Marian Wheat Up...

Nov 29, 2024

  (GFF) — Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI) in an effort to contribute to the development of women’s football has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) as a sponsor of the Maid Marian...
Read More
GFF provides support to EBFA U14 Boys’ League

GFF provides support to EBFA U14 Boys’ League

Nov 29, 2024

Athletics scores big at NSC National Sports Awards

Athletics scores big at NSC National Sports

Nov 29, 2024

St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ National Finals

St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank...

Nov 29, 2024

Wakenaam Masters to face Parika Defenders in T20 softball affair on Saturday night

Wakenaam Masters to face Parika Defenders in T20...

Nov 29, 2024

Bakewell supports Kashif and Shanghai Futsal tourney

Bakewell supports Kashif and Shanghai Futsal...

Nov 28, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]