IT has been touted as the national Christmas tree, and standing at about 70 feet tall it illuminates the entrance to Georgetown, ushering in the Christmas season.

At the lighting up of the tree on Friday night, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin who also has responsibility for tourism, said that the tree has become a part of the Guyanese celebrations of Christmas, and he expressed his profound gratitude to the Rahaman’s family for their continued efforts to organise the event, and to ensure that every single year, no matter what happens, that a trees goes up at the spot. He said: “I believe that even though there is an arch about a mile or so ahead, at Christmas, this spot becomes the real

entrance to Georgetown when [the tree] is lit up.”

Earlier this week, a 64-year-old cyclist, Seeram Seecharran, succumbed after he was hit by a truck that collided with the `famous’ tree. Minister Gaskin shared that though hundreds were gathered in celebration, Seecharran was in all of their thoughts and prayers.

Minister Gaskin also reminded, quite soberly, “This is a time of year when we must put aside our differences and suppress our prejudices.”
According to him, once these vices are put aside, persons could realise that it is not that difficult to be nicer to one another. “It is easier to love one another than to hate,” he said, while noting that even if the feeling of goodwill is short-lived, it is worth it.

At the lighting up, remarks were also given by Senior Director Public & Government Affairs at Exxon Mobil, Deidra Moe. Meanwhile, the scores of children in attendance were treated to goodies and Christmas entertainment to wholly prepare them for the jolly season.