Christmas Village lights up Main Street -President Ramotar lauds event planning committee

Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays by Guyanese in and out of Guyana, and during this period, many Guyanese residing overseas return home to enjoy the season. It is in this vein that the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce conceptualised the Christmas Village which was launched today at Main and New Market streets, Georgetown.

In recognition of the new concept, President Donald Ramotar acknowledged that the Christmas village ensures families enjoy the season in a safe environment, and most particularly enjoy Main Street.

President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag.), Irfaan Ali are joined by attendees of the inaugural Christmas Village on Main Street.

President Ramotar noted that despite the challenges experienced in the city, Main Street remains one of the most beautiful streets in the world with its unique buildings and landscape.

The President took the opportunity to extend Christmas greetings to the public and commended the planning community for their efforts in pulling off the event.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag.), Irfaan Ali linked the concept of the Christmas village to President Ramotar’s inauguration speech, as Head of State, where he spoke extensively on the role of the family and pointed out that during his presidency a lot of emphasis will be placed on bringing families together.

Those statements inspired the Tourism Minister to promote tourism and Guyanese culture by retaining a strong eye on the family, and in this regard the Christmas Village is a celebration of the family.

President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag.), Irfaan Ali and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill converge at one of the festive signs erected along the Christmas Village’s route.

Minister Ali stated that he wants Guyanese overseas to know that Guyana has its own Main Street Square, referring to Times Square in New York City.

He emphasised that this activity sets the pace for 2013 when the Ministry will be working with the private sector to accomplish a few big events such as the VIP Cat Walk, which would focus on Caribbean and South American fashion, organising of a Caribbean Rum, Rhythm and Food Festival, the Guyana River Fishing and a fusion of culture and a celebration of life. These activities will be part of the tourism drive and the acceleration of arrivals in Guyana with emphasis on the Diaspora.

Additionally, inter-border tourism with Guyana’s neighbours will be promoted in light of 500 tourists from the state of Roraima expected to be part of Mashramani 2013.

Minister Ali called on the media to work with the Ministry to put Guyana’s tourism first so as to build a product that is strong.

Ohini Kohama explained that the concept of the Christmas village was coined by a staff of the Ministry of Tourism and was immediately supported by Minister Ali who assembled an action team to formulate the concept and coordinate the event.

This new idea posed a challenge since the public is accustomed to the Main Street Big Lime, nevertheless when the idea was shared with stakeholders it was well received.

The general idea of the Christmas village is to create an atmosphere of spectacular lights, caroling and treats that would usher in the Christmas spirit in a family oriented way.

Companies such as GT&T, Courts Guyana, Banks DIH Ltd. and Digicel answered to the call to give back to the public.