Dear Editor,
On Saturday, December 13, 2007, Guyanese in Washington DC experienced a time of unity, love, togetherness and hope that is a rarity in our dear land of Guyana. Guyanese of all religious persuasions, political affiliations, racial backgrounds, social standing and cultural propensities came together under one roof to celebrate the festive season and they genuinely joined hearts and voices to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom we Christians hail as the Son of God.
It is always very emotional for me when the staff of the Embassy of Guyana, under Ambassador Bayney Karran and his wife Donna, throw open the doors of the embassy to Guyanese who are longing for a feeling of connection with the land of our birth. The togetherness and unity it inspires seem to erase the reality of the ethnic differences that are so common in everyday life in Guyana. I wish it were just as possible for us to love and to dwell with one another in true and genuine unity on our own soil, as we do on these foreign shores.
Ethnic foods abound on these occasions. This is testimony to the fact that we can work together in love, respect and dignity for a common cause. There was roti and curry, black pudding and cook-up, pepperpot and every known pastry that is baked in the oven in Guyana. We sang carols together, we relished our cultural cuisines together, rubbed shoulders together, laughed talked and hugged each other like it was nobody’s business. It was true festivity and fellowship and no one seemed out of place in the gathering. People from others countries were there and as we bonded with pride one couldn’t help but wish that the spirit of this season would visit Guyana bringing with it the same joy, love, freedom and hope as a permanent gift to the hearts of all Guyanese.
Thank you Mr Ambassador and staff and the many individuals and committees who often work together to make these events reflect the image of a Guyana we dream of. These occasions offer a feeling of optimism and hope as we envisage the true Guyanese spirit. I am sure that this is an indication of what God holds for us in the future.
Yours faithfully,
Pastor Kwesi Oginga
