Georgetown: A Christmas tree is a symbol of life and hope that is decorated with ornaments and lights, around the world; when everything is dry and the trees have no leaves, a Christmas tree is still green – this is a tree that symbolizes life.
In celebration of life and togetherness in Guyana, and in keeping with the spirit of the season, a massive 70 foot Christmas tree was set aglow at Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara, on Sunday evening as the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry continues this tradition that attracts hundreds of families annually.
Presiding over the ceremony, Acting President, Samuel Hinds acknowledged that the event provided a wonderful opportunity for fostering togetherness as citizens and setting aside differences.
He noted that in Guyana, the process of growing and developing ourselves, our economy and our country must be paramount, and even as we but as we pursue a better life individually , we must not lose our sense of community and of society.
“I am happy to be here at this occasion tonight and to see so many of you here with me,” he announced.
The prime minister said government is pleased to be associated with the private sector-led activity and he acknowledged the contribution of businesses that have banded together to make the event a success, including Rent-a-Tent; Banks DIH; Prettipaul Singh Investment, Courts, Ansa Mc Al, DDL, among others.
He expressed government’s appreciation to Mr. Ray Rahaman and family for making this event a national tradition, and observed that the crowd has grown over the years, rivalling any other in size.
The crowd was entertained by musical renditions from ‘The Messengers’ and ‘Brothers in Christ’ along with a dance performance from the National Dance School.
Additionally, they were regaled by a saxophone performance of the ‘Have yourself a Merry Christmas” by Roy Alder, and Andrew Tyndal later joined in from the Music School, for a saxophone and steel-pan combination.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali reiterated that Christmas is a time for Guyanese to reach out to each other and to work to sustain the country.
He explained, “Let us use this season to build a foundation of love and unity, one that would see all of us working together, one that would ensure that national priority, national projects are treated with national interest, one that would ensure progress and prosperity of Guyana is secure by our coming together, by our working together, by our understanding of what is essential to Guyana.”
Ali told the gathering of the upcoming events for the Christmas season including the Christmas Village to be launched on December 5th and the inaugural ‘Romancing the Fort’ on November 7th – a dinner on Fort Island.
Following the opening ceremony the children gathered as Santa Clause, Dora and an entourage of cartoon characters moved through the crowd to spread Christmas cheer.
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