Christmas brings new home for disabled man and family

James Hercules, 46, who lives with an orthopaedic impairment, received a newly constructed home on Christmas Day, ending years of moving from place to place with his family.

The home, built under the Men on Mission (MoM) programme, was handed over at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara. Hercules said he had relied on renting and family support for most of his life and expressed gratitude to God and the government. “I’m thankful very much for this home…and I give God all the praise and thanks,” he said.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who officiated the handover, said Guyana’s growth depends on citizens supporting one another.

He praised thousands of MoM volunteers and outlined plans for 2026, including improving sanitary facilities, access to water, addressing social issues such as gambling and alcohol abuse, and launching programmes to empower women through backyard gardening and small-scale produce businesses.

Since its inception, the MoM programme has built approximately 300 homes for families nationwide.

Officials at the handover included MP Suresh Singh, Permanent Secretary Dr Josh Kanhai, and MoM Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli.