Prince Harry visits orphanage in Guyana

Britain’s Prince Harry delighted the children of Joshua House Children Centre in Georgetown on Sunday, Dec. 4, the last day of his two-day visit to Guyana bringing with him hopes and dreams for the youngsters, who were in awe of the Royal visit.

Harry listened attentively to the boys and girls, who spoke of their experiences working to overcome the challenges they face while living in the orphanage established by Barbara Burrowes, daughter of the Guyanese artist E.R. Burrowes in 1977, and headed by Dominican-born missionary, Gladys Accra.

According to reports, the children entertained Prince Harry with song, and later questioned him about living in Buckingham Palace, delighting the prince, who told them that living as a royal was awesome, but told them it has its positives and negatives.

While at the orphanage, which is home to more than 70 children aged between five and 12, and works to help youngsters in unfortunate circumstances, His Royal Highness interacted with the children in their dorms, before touring a vegetable garden on the grounds of Joshua Center.

Prince Harry left with gifts from the staff and volunteers and warm memories of meeting the youngsters who waved goodbye with British flags.

The charming 32-year-old prince who was on a whirlwind-wind tour of the Caribbean, visited St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and St. Lucia.

The prince later celebrated Barbados 50th Independence Anniversary alongside superstar Barbadian-born Rihanna, and daughter to a Guyanese-born, before hopping over to Guyana.

The prince’s visit coincided with Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. While in Guyana, he met with President David Granger, and later laid a wreath at the Independence Arch, on Brickdam — one of the nation’s national symbols which was presented to Guyana by the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) as a gift in 1966 to symbolize the end of the colonial era.

The Royal made the majestic Kaieteur Falls, Guyana’s historic landmark – the world’s highest single drop waterfall, the Surama Lodge, and the Iwokrama International Conservation Centre (IICC), highlights of his visit.

Prince Harry of Wales, the fifth in line for the British throne, received a red carpet welcome when he arrived at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on the East Coast of Demerara on Friday, Dec. 1.

He ended his brief visit to Guyana on Sunday, Dec. 4.