Interviews by Tiffny Rhodius and photos by Jules Gibson
While at the launch of the National Schools’ Choir and Steel Orchestra at the National Park, we asked persons how Christmas has changed over the years for them and their Christmas wish for 2009.
Shareefah Parks, student
`I think so far Christmas has gotten worse for me since my family is paying less attention to it because of the recession and I don’t really feel Christmas and you don’t see people in the spirit.
My Christmas wish is to bring back the spirit of Christmas to the country. Maybe if everyone could be a little more jolly among each other and I really think if they take out VAT then this would happen.’
Ayesha Rodney, student
`Well for me I used to enjoy Christmas because I believe that it was spending quality time with your family and now we really don’t have that connection anymore. Also, you have families that have to go away to provide for their family. It becomes just another working day. We celebrate Christmas yeah but we don’t feel it.
My Christmas wish is to get a computer with printer and everything as well as peace for the New Year.’
Rolcia Williams, student
`First of all my wish this year is to become a successful and famous actress. It is something that I put a lot of effort into and I like it very much and would like to make it my career. It’s like part of me.
For me, Christmas hasn’t changed much because it is basically about receiving gifts, having a good time and travelling. That is basically my Christmas and that hasn’t changed so Christmas for me hasn’t changed.’
Otis Chase, student
`I’ve noticed that in recent Christmases there have been a lot of accidents due to drunk driving and this is on the increase. This never used to happen before or not as frequent as it is happening these past Christmases.
I wish that when I get back to school next year there’ll be a better environment that is much more conducive to learning and that government officials would be paying much more interest in the President’s College and the community.’
M DeSouza, housewife
`It’s my first Christmas here in Guyana after 15 years so I really can’t say how it has changed but I expect to have a very lovely Christmas with my family. I’m also looking forward to eating pepperpot and the ginger beer and the black cake.
My wish this year is to have a healthy baby boy and for my husband to be home for the holidays. It will be our first Christmas after years here in Guyana.’
Jo-Ann Carmichael, public sector employee
`What I’ve noticed is that the traditions such as baking black cake and making pepperpot is still in existence but that extended giving process we’ve lost. Most persons are self-centred these days. You find that most aren’t extending that hand in giving and sharing these years. I know we are faced with an economic crisis but when I say giving it is more than money. Give time, help somebody. You know? You might brighten somebody’s day. I think that the giving that is part of Christmas has changed.
I don’t have a special wish I just hope that everybody that has a wish, I hope their wish comes through.’
Cindy King, self-employed
`For me Christmas has changed. I don’t know if it’s the cost of living or what but it’s not the same. Normally in the month of November you get this feeling this Christmas feeling and I’m not getting it. In previous years everybody used to be anxious and looking forward to the season but now it is not so.
My wish this year is for everything to change in terms of the cost of living and child abuse. All the negative things in society I hope they change.’
Sean Bhola, private sector employee
`I don’t think Christmas has changed. Our perspective and roles have changed. As a little boy you used to expect toys and a lot of gifts and as an adult you have to be the one giving the toys and gifts. The reason for Christmas is the same it hasn’t changed.
As for my wish, if I only voice it Santa might not bring it.’
Percival Prince, self-employed
`Well Christmas, the reason for the season is all about the Lord our saviour Jesus Christ. Well yes, it has changed, times get rough but things get a little cheaper. The difference between Christmas now and then is this, when I was small there wasn’t any violence I used to play with water guns now there are pellet guns that people are using to stick you up with and rob you at night.
My wish is that God will give me everything and I will own my own house this Christmas or the following year.’
Laurence, self-employed
`Well it’s changed, yes a lot. As a kid there were opportunities and options that we had and now you have to take what you get. Christmas has changed drastically a lot.
My Christmas wish is that people would really find the true meaning of Christmas because now it’s just about shopping and partying. The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. We need to celebrate that and not ourselves.’