The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) celebrated the start of the Christmas season with hundreds of children as well as army ranks and civilian employees at its traditional children’s Christmas parties.
In a press release the army said the celebrations were held at base camps Ayanganna and Stephenson as well as in Linden, Belladrum and Essequibo in order to ensure that families and children of soldiers could attend. The children enjoyed a number of games and rides such as the go-kart and merry-go-round as well as the trampoline and thumping. They also enjoyed lots of Christmas music. Santa’s arrival at the locations saw the children erupting into squeals of delight as he distributed a number of gifts.
The army said several senior officers and NCOs assisted with the various activities which contributed to the success of the event. One delighted party-goer Beyonce Benjamin said, “I’m glad that my mommy is a soldier and that I can get to come to this party and see Santa and enjoy myself.” Meanwhile a parent said she had never before seen children so excited.
She thanked the force for providing the opportunity for children “to have clean fun” and to enjoy the holidays.
The party also brought back fond memories to another parent who said, “Being here with my children makes me remember when I used to be taken to parties like these. This will set the tone for the rest of their holidays….”
