IT was ‘Africa come alive’ at COURTS Guyana Inc., two Fridays ago, when the furniture showroom of the Main Street, Georgetown business place was virtually transformed into a gallery of African Fashion. Employees of the furniture giant, impressively attired in tribal garbs, came together for the hosting of an Emancipation Dress Competition.
A premier activity to usher in the observance of African Emancipation Day locally, the programme, hosted by COURTS, was literally a cultural explosion, presenting a fusion of colour and exquisitely designed clothing, bolstered by rhythmic gyrations and symbolic drumming. 
At the end of the show, viewed by other staff members and enthusiastic customers, six proud employees from the Sales and Personnel Departments emerged winners of coveted prizes of cash and gifts.
Winners in the female category were: 
1st Prize –   Ms. Michelle Griffith (Sales Department)                                                                                      
2nd Prize –  Ms. Camille Crandon (Sales Department)                
3rd Prize –   Ms. Shondelle Daniels (Personnel Department).
Winners in the male category were:
1st Prize – Mr. Kwame Williams (Sales)
2nd Prize – Mr. Ryan Charles (Sales) 
3rd Prize – Mr. Wilfred Cameron
Although the company has, for several years, been playing its part in keeping alive the commemoration of African Emancipation, there was added emphasis on this year’s event, which coincides with the observance of the United Nations designated ‘Year for People of African Descent’. 
Courts Country Director, Mr. Clyde de Haas said he saw the initiative as a way of, not only entertaining, but educating and making the staffers knowledgeable and appreciative of the cultural identity.
Remarks were also offered by the African Cultural Development Association’s (ACDA) Executive members, Mr. Eric Phillips, Ms. Clementina Marshall and guest artiste, Ms. Olivia Gerrel rendered a song.
On the programme, too, was a display of African fashion, the intriguing work of designer, Ms. Carol Fraser.
But the highlight of the occasion was the fashion contest, in which about 15 of COURTS staff members, intricately bedecked in African wear, were in keen rivalry for the coveted prizes. 
Phillips and Marshall joined Ms. Olivia Garrel and Ms. Latoya Jack for the highly competitive judging. 
de Haas had words of congratulations and support for those employees who, like Phillips and the ACDA team, made the event a resounding success.
“Everyone was a winner,” declared the Country Director, who was presented with a plaque by ACDA in recognition of COURTS’ consistent and sterling contribution towards keeping African Emancipation alive in Guyana.