THE sprawling Giftland Mall on Tuesday evening held its first Christmas Tree light-up during a well-attended ceremony at its Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, location.

The ceremony, which was attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Ivan Robero Medel, drew a sizeable crowd as families converged at the Mall to get a glimpse of the night’s events.
The festive atmosphere was replete with music, food and performances synonymous with the Christmas season as staff shared snacks and drinks to those in attendance.
In brief remarks to the audience, Prime Minister Nagamootoo told the gathering that the event was a timely one, with the Christmas season being one of enjoyment and merriment. He said that the mall will boost the country’s tourism sector while adding development to the area.
Excellent performances came from the School of the Nations choir, who gave hearty renditions of several popular Christmas songs.
Soon after, singing sensation Poonam Singh entertained the crowd with her angelic vocals, while the group, ‘Two Roads of an Amazing Story’, put in a creditable performance in front of the attentive crowd.
As time for the lighting of the tree drew closer, saxophonist Calvin Nelson delivered wonderful tunes, and then local rock sensation Gavin Mendonca delighted with his hit “Cause is Christmas”.
Giftland’s Ian Ramdeo then shed light on the company’s “Give-Back” donation drive, a feature this year-end which will see monies being set aside for the needy. As the crowd fidgeted, security officers began moving to the stage area, a signal that the night’s feature was about to take place.
Prime Minister Nagamootoo then stepped up to the stage and as he was joined by the children, he flicked the switch to illuminate the decorated tree.
Giftland Mall has been a popular venue for many since its opening in July this year and during this Christmas season it is expected that Guyanese here as well as holiday visitors will flock the venue.