Courts last evening ushered in the Christmas season with the now traditional tree lighting along Main Street.
Local artistes Poonam Singh, Candace Fields, Tennicia Defreitas, Ryan Hoppie and others provided entertainment, along with the National Steel Orchestra and the National School of Dance at the event, which also saw appearances by Santa Claus and a host of cartoon characters who arrived on a mini float.
The trees were lit by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was assisted by a group of excited children.
Managing Director of Courts Clyde De Haas used the occasion to announce that Courts will be partnering with Ash-ley’s Furniture Industries Inc, a brand available in 123 countries worldwide, and will showcase and sell its products locally.
He talked about Court’s “Buy Now and Pay Later” promotion, through which consumers can purchase household items for the Christmas season without any payment until 2014.
The millionaire promotion was also mentioned. It was also disclosed that one customer has already won $1 million.
The Courts Christmas road show, a main event aimed at spreading the Christmas feeling across Guyana, will premiere today at the Courts Mahaica branch, to be followed by another at New Amsterdam, Berbice next Tuesday and a final show at Richmond Hill, Linden, next Thursday.
Meanwhile, entertaining the huge crowd gathered, GT&T Jingle and Song competition winner Hoppie did his take on “The Little Drummer Boy,” in an electrifying performance that connected with the crowd and caused it to go wild.
As he left the stage, screams and chants saw him return to perform once more. Later on in the programme he performed a duet with Defreitas.
The National Steel Orchestra, Classique Dance Company and the National School of Dance entertained with their excellent and energetic routines.
As the evening progressed, hosts, Gordon Moseley and Nuriyyih Gerrard, kept the focus of the audience by adding humour. Moseley at one point attempted to play the steel pan. Although his attempt was not as he’d hoped, he nevertheless accomplished his mission, exciting the crowd.
Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali, in his address, thanked Courts for its spirit of giving back and also took the time to remember those who will be celebrating Christmas without their loved ones. He made reference to the disaster in the Philippines and the shooting incident at Middle Street, earlier this week.
Closing the ceremony off, PM Hinds lit the trees after a bit of confusion caused by a few excited children who all wanted the opportunity to light the Christmas trees.
