THE county of Berbice, Region Six, is gearing for its first Christmas Village.The eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) are working together with the Ministry of Tourism to host the event as part of an effort to spread the meaning of Christmas, and to promote social cohesion and provide clean entertainment for families.

The cricket teams would also use the opportunity to promote their “Say YES to Sports and Education” message.

The Christmas Village would be hosted in the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School during the period December 20th to 24th. The Club has established a working committee headed by its long serving Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, to plan for the event.
Other members include Ravin Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks, Elizabeth Brusche, Gregory Butcher, Neville Beaton, Mark Papannah and two members of each of its cricket teams.

The Ministry of Tourism committed, on Friday last, to co-sponsoring the event, and has handed over a sponsorship cheque for an undisclosed amount. The Ministry would also assist the RHTYSC with technical assistance to ensure that the Christmas Village project is a huge success.

The Village would consist of a large depiction of the Nativity Scene, while the entire compound of the school would be transformed into a festive atmosphere with fairy lights, Christmas characters and decorations. The cricket teams would be joining with the GuySuCo Training Centre to construct a 20-foot Christmas tree, while other attractions would include games for children, a Horror House, a photo studio, a Christmas exhibition, and numerous booths that would sell items for the festive season.

The cricketers would also use the occasion to promote the importance of youth involvement in sports, and youths’ staying in school to complete their educational career.

Twelve lucky children would win toys for the holidays on each night of the Christmas Village, while three families would receive a holiday food hamper, compliments of the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets First Division Team.

Foster has expressed confidence that the event would be a huge success and would attract numerous local and overseas tourists to the town; and most importantly, would promote social cohesion among residents. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism for its cooperation, and made special mention of Minister Catherine Hughes and Tourism Liaison and Planning Officer, Ms Catherine Martin. The RHTYSC, he stated, would extend all its organising experience to make the event the best ever hosted locally, and he extended an invitation to corporate Guyana to come on board as sponsors or set up Christmas-themed booths.

Interested persons can contact the RHTYSC Secretariat on telephone number 337–4562, or email foster_hilbert@yahoo.com.

Ministry of Tourism Liaison and Logistics Planner, Catherine Martin, expressed that Ministry’s delight at working with an outstanding organisation whose track record speaks for itself. She expressed confidence that all the event’s objectives would be fulfilled, and hailed the cricket teams and the management of the RHTYSC for their visionary proposal to the Ministry. The Ministry, she said, would support such projects, as it falls within its mandate.

(Alex Wayne)