– PM says message of Christmas should be present as we work to build a better future for all

In extending Christmas greetings to all Guyanese, both at home and abroad, President Dr Irfaan Ali has stated that the acts of love demonstrated at Christmas must be emulated throughout the rest of the year.
According to the Head of State, at the heart of Christmas is love – a love so profound that it transcends time and space. He said the Christmas story begins with the love of God, who became incarnated to bring light and hope to the world then continued with the tender love of Mary, who embraced the divine calling as the mother of Christ, nurturing Him in humility and faith as well as the fatherly love of Joseph as evident in his quiet strength and obedience.
“This love that we speak of, is a love of family, it’s a love of community, it’s a love that is selfless, it is a type of love that evolves society to a place of maturity, in which people see each other, not by differences, but by the very fact that we are part of one family, the family of humanity,” he noted.
Here in Guyana, the President pointed out that citizens are part of a ‘family of Guyanese,’ and must look out for and uphold each other.
“Over time, we have demonstrated and observed Christmas in different ways, Christmas has become an act of love as well, expressed through our generosity, kindness and care for one another, especially for the less fortunate among us. As we gather with family and friends to celebrate, let us remember the deeper meaning of this season. Let us commit to preserving this season of Love by embodying its message throughout the year,” the Guyanese Leader added.
In the same breath, however, the Head of State posited that this love cannot be seasonal and only at Christmas time. He said the love that brings Guyanese together in the family of humanity, must be for every day of the year. It is only through this demonstration of love, he added, that Guyanese can fully embrace what this season means for their everyday life.
According to President Ali, Guyana’s future must be built on the foundation of love – love for each other, love for families, and love for the country. He noted, “It is through this love that we can foster unity, nurture compassion, and overcome divisions.”
In the last year, the Head of State said he was pleased with the numerous initiatives pursued to unify communities and people.
“The investment we made in continuously building prosperity, uplifting the vulnerable, empowering every Guyanese in building a sustainable and resilient future. This future is beginning to blossom. We must now nurture this blossom, we must take care of this blossom, so that the fruits will be bountiful, and the harvest ahead would be one that would be prosperous, high yielding, and would give to every Guyanese, the type of life, the type of community, the type of country and the type of love that would enable us as a people, to overcome every hardship, bounded together as One People, One Nation, One Destiny, under the umbrella of One Guyana,” he stated.
Looking forward, the President said the road ahead is filled with many, many great opportunities and requires a positive mindset at all times.
“Let us endeavour to continue to erase every single thought that takes us away from each other and let us embrace every idea, every thought and every mission that brings us together in this beautiful family called the Guyanese family. May the peace and joy of this Christmas fill your hearts and homes, and may the light of Christ inspire us to build a nation rooted in compassion, unity, and love,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, also echoed similar sentiments in his message, noting that the celebration of the birth of Christ is a great reminder of the values that unite Guyanese as a people – love, compassion, humility, and hope.

“It is a time to reflect on the true meaning of the season, the message of peace brought into the world over two millennia ago, and the light that continues to guide us through life’s challenges,” the PM said.
According to Phillips, Christmas in Guyana is a special time of year, marked by the unique traits of the Guyanese. From the aroma of pepper pot and garlic pork wafting through the air to the rich sounds of carols sung in churches across the regions, the spirit of joy and togetherness touches every corner of the land. It is a moment when we come together as a people, transcending differences and embracing the diversity that makes us stronger.
“This year, Guyana has been blessed in many ways, including its continued growth and prosperity, and we are seeing the fruits of our collective efforts. Yet, Christmas reminds us that the greatest wealth lies not in material gain but in the richness of our relationships, the strength of our communities, and the faith we place in each other,” he noted.
PM Phillips went on to add this is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate, those facing hardship or loss. To this end, he urged persons to extend a hand of kindness to those in need, reflecting the spirit of Christ’s love through actions.
As Guyanese celebrate today, the Prime Minister further implored that they also look to the year ahead with hope and determination.
“The message of Christmas—the triumph of light over darkness, of hope over despair— must be present as we work together to build a brighter future for our beloved Guyana. I urge that we carry the spirit of unity and compassion into the new year, ensuring that the blessings we have received are shared widely and equitably among all our people,” the Prime Minister stated.