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Ptolemy Reid Rehab Centre celebrates Xmas in fine style
By Zena Henry
With its main emphasis on children, hence the mission statement “to provide a
national service for all the children of Guyana who need long- term physical rehabilitative care,” the bright and joyous faces of Guyana’s disabled little ones were not a surprise to me.
“Their Christmas is always special, shared with extra love,” one of the staffers at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre expressed.
Located just north of the renowned St. Georges Cathedral, the Centre is housed at Lot 131-132 Carmichael Street. The institution caters for youths faced with various disabilities. Services are provided for these adorable youngsters including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and special education.
The Centre was established in 1967, by the Ministry of Health, which sought to provide rehabilitation services for children who had suffered residual paralysis in the aftermath of the 1960-1964 poliomyelitis epidemics. As the number of cases withdrew the Centre quickly developed into an organization providing comprehensive programmes in the rehabilitation of children with various types of physical and other developmental disabilities.
Partially detaching itself from the arms of the Government in 1991, the Rehabilitation Centre has the potential to manufacture almost any appliance necessary for persons with disabilities.
This is according to Mrs. Janice Simmons, Rehabilitation Officer in the administration of the Centre, who also added that the establishment comprises a day care, a school, and offers programmes for amputees and persons with prosthetic limbs.
The woman, who said she has more than 40 years in the business and is now retired but still renders her service, declared that Christmas at the Centre has always been wonderful. She attributed much of the enjoyment to the persons who make donations and volunteer their time to the Centre.
The officer said that on December 12, the babies of the Day Care Centre had enjoyed a grand Christmas party held for them by Comfort Sleep, a furniture company.
When Kaieteur News visited the rehab institute, the older students (who are educated at the school)were having their annual Christmas party which is sponsored every year by donations from the public.
The kids were getting their “grove on” as they expressed the excitement of the festive season. Being looked over by Head Master Anand Mangru, the students, along with US Ambassador to Guyana, D. Brent Hardt and Dr. Faith Harding, demonstrated to the children the feeling of love as they all shared in the holiday spirit, even getting busy on the dance floor with the students.
The kids were all smiles. Pictures were being taken and they were eager to have their photos snapped. They posed with their friends and called again and again to have more pictures taken. They posed and some even wanted their pictures to capture their style as they danced for the camera.
The institute obviously is not limiting itself and is no stranger to Christmas celebrations since they were well decked out in the various decorations fitting for a grand fiesta. From the entrance of the building all the way to the third floor, the feel of Christmas could not be missed.
Christmas trees stood tall, colourful and well groomed with decorations.
While the kiddies were upstairs having a smashing time at their party, adults described as amputees and patients of the Centre under training for their prosthetic limbs, sat peacefully downstairs, listening to the sweet tunes of yesteryear.
The seniors were having their own quiet gathering as they drank and ate, taking in the much appreciated “oldies”. The persons, some not able to walk and confined to wheelchairs, expressed joy as the festive season was celebrated with love and care from family and the staffers at the Centre.
“This is an every year thing” one the patients expressed “We are never forgotten.”
“Christmas is a holiday celebrated by everyone,” Mrs. Simmons expressed emphatically. ‘It is not because of the disabilities of persons that make them who they are and as such they must be cared for and be able to enjoy themselves as much as any other person.”
The amiable official said it is a pleasure to see these persons enjoying themselves and working to lead a normal life like any ordinary citizen. She opined that as long as there is Christmas, the occupants of the Centre will continue to have a grand time.
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