This week we asked the man/woman in the street how they would be spending Christmas this year and what were their plans for the New Year. Their comments follow:
Saeed Gopie – ‘It’s not really a prosperous one, you’re not really seeing the Christmas spirit this time around. For me it’s because I just finished exams, hopefully I have a few more days to enjoy the Christmas season before it’s all over. And hopefully, I get good grades for Christmas. My favourite part of Christmas is gifts and food, you can’t go wrong with gifts and food. No New Year’s plans right now, I’m just going to go with the flow and maybe I’ll try to accomplish the things I didn’t accomplish in 2014 and 2015.’
Kieran Persaud – ‘In my opinion, the season is the same as last year. I try to show my kindness throughout the year because it’s not something that should be done only at Christmas. My plans basically include watching television and doing whatever my family wants to do. Christmas is just another day for me, only difference is that there’s more food and more family around.’
Cassandra Persaud – ‘I wasn’t very excited about the holidays up until now, I think shopping really brings about the Christmas spirit. It’s not so bad, I see a lot of people shopping. Also we have
a lot more income given that we were given this $50,000 extra which I am kinda happy about. All in all, it’s been good for me. And other than the age old saying about hitting the gym for the New
Year, I haven’t really figured out any other resolutions as yet. I think it’s just gym for me right now.’
Esther Small – ‘This is going to be one of the quietest Christmases for me so far. I was abroad for a while and when I came back I think I’ve lost my rhythm because normally it’s just one straight thing. And I made the mistake of attempting to refurbish my bathroom and it’s been crazy. So between the vacation break abroad and redoing the bathroom, it’s like Christmas could come tomorrow and go. New Year’s plans for me would be to lose weight and spend less. It’s really hard for me to spend less and save more but I think above all, I’m going to save.’
Althea Melville – ‘Every year from January to December, all through the year it’s nice but Christmas is a special time of the year where everybody gets up money to go shopping to buy different things for their home. I must thank Jesus for letting me and my family live to see this day, that’s the most
important thing for me right now. Compared to the year, I think it was extra busy but coming down to the end of 2015, it seems less busy. The traffic is not so heavy like the other years, I guess it’s because of the economy and the different things that are going on. But trust me, people are still shopping. New Year’s resolution is me wanting the best for my two sons, especially education wise and good health and strength.’
Denzel Thomas – ‘Well Christmas season so far is good with everyone caring and sharing and also with the support of the Salvation Army. I love the islands and the atmosphere of the people during this time of year. I have been here in Guyana a month now, I was sponsored by the Salvation Army. And for me, my final doing of the season would be completing my job with the Salvation Army on Thursday and then on Christmas night I’ll be prepared to go back to my family in Jamaica. For the New Year I look for a better life, a better future I would like things to be better than they were in 2015.’
Ceon Adams – ‘It’s been a cool year, a lot of ups and downs in that the budget was read. I think the Guyanese economy slowed down a bit, persons are not
shopping as they usually would and its affecting businesses. December has seen a really good turn out, so hopefully all in all, at the end of the year everything turns out good. In terms of plans for the holidays I’ll be at all the Gravity events since it’s going to be a Heineken Christmas there.’
Troy Parboo – ‘The Christmas season is going good so far but the hardest thing is moving around town right now. Apart from that, I’ve seen a pick up in people’s spirits and to me it became busy earlier this year than last year and hope it’s a sign of improvement. And a lot more of these big companies are giving away gift baskets this year so I’m guessing that the spirit of giving is there.’
Mercia George – ‘For me Christmas is always special as it is a time that is spent with loved ones and this year is no different as I am looking forward to spending the Christmas season with my family. And in terms of plans for the New Year, my resolution is to
work on obtaining my own home.’
Teri Ann Phang – ‘Christmas is always a hectic time for me with all the last-minute shopping and running about. But at the end of it all, I am always fortunate enough to spend the holidays with
the people I care about and this year is no exception. As it relates to my plans for the New Year, I basically just want health, wealth and strength, especially for my kids.’