Surprised store customer wins $200,000 prize for purchase made 24 years ago
A MARRIED mother of four never thought that the bill for something that cost her $850, on July 8, 1987, would win her a $200,000 prize 24 yeas later.
That was the luck of Sakina Armugan, who bought a seven-piece dinette set more than two decades ago, when she collected a 125 horse power (hp) Jialing motor scooter on Wednesday.
The winner, of Lot 978 Canefield  Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, was awarded  the prize for the oldest bill  in a competition sponsored by A. Ally and Sons for the silver anniversary of its business entities.
The receipt was expected to be delivered last March  5, when the company held its annual bonanza drawing in which the grand prize, a ‘Toyota Fun Cargo’ motor car valued $2.5M, was to be won but the document submitted was deemed a forgery and resulted in a re-run of the contest.
In addition to the oldest bill prize win, national cyclist Neil Reece was presented with a ‘Giant TRC’ racing bicycle valued US$5,000, by his sponsor of three years, Mr. Faizal Ally.
Reece began his cycling career seven years ago and, as an individual,has participated in oversees meets where he has copped gold, silver and bronze medals.
During the afternoon ceremony, at A. Ally and Sons Home Depot, on Strand, New Amsterdam, the media were honoured for their role in covering and publicising the activities of the company which started its business under the now defunct Brown Derby Restaurant, at Main and Church Streets, New Amsterdam, where Ahmad Ally sold furniture.
That place is, currently, occupied by Metro Offices and Stationery supplies.
Plaques and certificates of appreciation were presented to representatives of Guyana Chronicle, Kaieteur News, Stabroek News,  Little Rock TV-CH10, National Communications Network Television and Radio,  Dave’s Television Station CH8 and Galaxy 21, who, each, received gift vouchers of various monetary values.
Making brief remarks, Managing Director of the chain stores, Faizal Ally said the gesture, particularly to the reporters, is in recognition of their efforts to spread news to the masses.
According to him, his company’s benevolence to the community is not to gain publicity but for the betterment of the society.
Meanwhile, in addition to the yearly bonanza drawing, the entrepreneur will, shortly, be introducing an in-house flyer, where customers, without making purchases, will fill forms which indicate the various rates  of  customer services offered and a monthly prize will be awarded a lucky winner.
A. Ally and Sons chain stores now operate at four locations, Main Street and Strand in New Amsterdam; Sheet Anchor, East Canje and Public Road, Corriverton, Corentyne, all in the ‘Ancient County’