British novelist Charles Dickens wrote the classic A Christmas Carol.Its major protagonist is Ebenezer Scrooge–who described Christmas as "bah...humbug." Dickens labelled Scrooge "mean...tight-fisted." Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made reference to Scrooge when she urged about 5,000 children to practice generosity during the Christmas season.
As they made their way to the toy stations, they carried bags stacked with treats like apples and cookies.She made this comment while delivering the feature address at the launch of the Christmas Children's function at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain yesterday.Among those present were several government ministers including Vasant Bharath, Fazal Karim, Winston Peters, Anil Roberts and John Sandy.
Persad-Bissessar said: "Don't be like Scrooge. Practice the basic ethic of giving, sharing and goodwill. Love is strength."She also had a word for the naysayers who would criticise such an event being held on a large scale for the first time. "It is one of the major social activities," she said. She stressed traditional values and sharing among families, friends and neighbours.
Amid the festivity which was dampened by the heavy afternoon shower, she asked the children to repeat a kernel of wisdom."Do good. Be good. See good. And good will follow you." But the day belonged to the children. Scores of volunteers distributed Hannah Montana dolls, trucks, tea sets and cars. Sporting heavy makeup, Philomena, the cleaning woman kept the crowd in stitches.
Summing up sentiments, Cepep volunteer Sherma Cooper said: "The children are enjoying themselves and having fun. It is nice of Kamla to remember the children at Christmas."