Feed a Child for the Holidays is a private group dedicated to making a humanitarian effort to support the
less fortunate children in orphanages in Guyana in keeping with the spirit of Christmas. Feed a Child for the Holidays endeavours to bring gifts and encouragement to children. It is a charitable initiative that will provide gifts, food items, basic necessities, and clothing for two (2) sets of orphans and vulnerable children in Guyana.
Recently, Feed a Child for the Holidays planned a Christmas party for the children of Youth Challenge Guyana’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s programme on the 15th December, 2007. Over 60 children were treated to a fun filled party; there was face painting, games and lots of food. At the end of the party each child was given a gift and a party bag.
The second activity will be on 22nd December and this would be for the children of the Convalescent home.
Feed a Child for the Holidays will be taking gifts and a snack for the children. Also there will be face painting. We intend to spend the afternoon with the children at the Convalescent home.
Feed a Child for the Holidays would not be a success without the help of local businesses and public spirited citizens who all pitched in and contributed to the worthy cause.
by Natasha Backer
located in the capital city at the corners of Camp and Regent Street. This establishment is yet another indication of the modernization taking place in Guyana today thanks, in part, to the private sector.
As you enter the huge building you are entering a centrally air conditioned atmosphere that is encouraging and inviting. You are greeted by a spectacle that is the first of its kind in Guyana. The escalator is the first, and quite possibly the main attraction located within the four story building. I remember clearly that when the mall was first opened to the public, there were curious persons coming down to Camp and Regent just to take a trip up and down the escalators. There were those who were afraid and nervous but as soon as this feeling was overcome by curiosity and courage they bravely took a step onto the machine. There were also some persons who fell while attempting to use the machine. Their pain and embarrassment served only to amuse those who would have witnessed the incident-there was no sympathy. There was one lady who was unaware as to which was up and which was down and attempted to go up the wrong one and fell flat on her back as a result.
booths which have movies, cell phones and craft items. The Food Court is also found on this floor. Various eating houses have taken the opportunity to give their business more exposure. This makes items such as burgers, ice cream, fried chicken, milkshakes, juices, sandwiches and pastries available to the mall-goers. There is also an area within the Food Court for seating purposes and furnished with tables for you to enjoy your meal. On the first and second floors you can find clothing, footwear, lingerie, personal hygiene items, colognes, gift items and there is even a barbershop and an internet cafe. On the third floor there is an arcade with various exciting games for the fun- loving individual. There is also a double theatre. on the third floor that is not quite completed which should bring more visitors to the mall as soon as its doors are opened.
With all the features and attractions present in the mall, it has become the premier place for young people to meet and hang out, mainly on Saturday afternoon. Added to the fact that the mall is a hot spot young people find it almost instinctive to go to the mall to hang out, have something to eat, surf the web or just to see who they might run into. Young people put on their best outfits and head for the mall on Saturday afternoons just to have a good time, and look good doing so. The city mall promises to be one of the most exciting and important places that will be involved in shaping the cultural development of the new breed of Guyanese.
cost of entering the stadium was just $300 per person. This made the event a very attractive feature especially for those living on the East Bank. There were large crowds gathered at the entrance of the show with persons eager to get in. The line I was in extended all the way to the Buddy’s Int’l Hotel, located approximately 300 meters away from the stadium’s entrance. This also shows the capacity of the facility. The security at the facility was undoubtedly tight given the fact that it was handled by both the Lions Club and the Guyana Police Force. As a result, criminal elements were dissuaded from entering the venue. There were also female ranks of the Police Force to search the women and children. This showed initiative on the part of the organizers. This aspect of security preparations is usually taken for granted by organizers of other events. No backup at the security checkpoints allowed the free movement of persons onto the grounds. The efficiency and courtesy on the part of those handling security must be applauded.
The presentations themselves were well displayed in spacious white tents. The arrangement of the bootsavailable for display was done in such a way that the entire ground was fully utilized. Space was abundant allowing a multitude of persons to be able to enter the compound, interact and move freely.
They came from the agriculture sector, the craft industry as well as the food and drinks producing sectors. They represented the small stall holders, the large regional companies, as well as the government. Some of the larger companies on show were Sterling Products Ltd., Banks D.I.H. and Demerara Distillers Ltd. Representing the smaller production companies were the Culture Ambassadors and a few other craft industries. There were also food and drinks bars compliments of M&M’s Snackette, along with the beverage producing giants: Guyana Banks and DDL. One of the most memorable displays for me was the company which bottles coconut water. This industry has the potential to really thrive once it is taken seriously. The amount of coconuts which go to waste all over this great land of ours can be used to generate money not only from local markets but from the region, and even internationally. There was also no shortage of entertainment for those in attendance. The entertainment for this event was taken care of by local soca star Malo, Mingles Sound Machine, Travelers’ Sound System and The New Melody Makers’ Band. These entertainers kept the crowd lively with songs from today’s hottest artistes and ensured that they did not miss a beat. There was a small contingent of the crowd who had probably already seen all the exhibits and was just taking some drinks while enjoying the music being produced for their enjoyment. This crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves very much. The Guyana National Stadium hosted people from all across Guyana and from all walks of life, including the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Hinds along with the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud who paid keen attention to the displays. This government sanctioned event was hailed a success by all patrons as well as those whose products were on display.
presentation got the evening off on a positive and promising start. Her collection included lightweight, colourful and stylish pieces, which the models displayed with confidence and elegance.
Next was the sister team of Nikisha and Nuddine Telford out of Linden. They displayed an array of colorful designs that were party-oriented, racy in comparison to those of the other designers, and which provided a true reflection of youth. They also sought to integrate some semi-formal and casual fashion into their presentation. The Telford sisters presented their fashion line dubbed “Climax Designs” for which they were OR and were also awarded the title of “Most Promising New Designers” by the publisher of Shabeau magazine. Along with this title, the young ladies will receive a full pictorial and editorial display in the magazine, and have also received a trophy. The young ladies were offered a grand opportunity to showcase their pieces at an international fashion show to be held in Trinidad and Tobago sometime soon. Guyanese publisher of Shabeau magazine said that she will continue to support Sonia Noel in the presentation of Guyana Fashion Weekend, and is very honoured to give back to her country.
designing the costumes for the group X2. Because of the encouragement she received, she proceeded to design Adrian Dutchin’s costume for the 2006 Soca Monarch competition, which he won. She also designed the costume which he performed in at this year’s competition.
Lou Ann Jackson followed with her colourful designs of casual and evening apparel. Prior to this, only female models were selected to showcase the pieces. The male models used for this presentation brought added flavour to the proceedings as they showcased not only the clothes, but also their chizzled physique much to the satisfaction of the females in attendance. Her pieces were mainly hand- painted and featured accessories to enhance the look.
evening wear. His clothing line also included some semi-formal pieces which were perfectly displayed by the beautiful and confident female models.
Andrea Braithwaite introduced her line of “Timeless Treasures” to the gathering. Her designs were elegant, stylish and comfortable. She also included in her line, provisions for full- figured women who would choose to be elegant, fashionable while maintaining a modest look. She pulled this off seamlessly, taking into consideration different age groups and body types. This was important to note as it shows her experience in dealing with different types of people and her ability to therefore make adjustments to suit any client.
designs were displayed with chic and grace by the local and international models. Forte’s designs consisted more of close-fitting clothing than loose flowing apparel. Following her display advisor to the President and PPP/C M.P., Mr. Odinga Lumumba addressed the gathering. In his address he congratulated the committee on a job well done and outlined some benefits that can be gained by hosting such an event in Guyana. He also said that this event allows the world to see what Guyana can produce in terms of fashion and entertainment. He also applauded Sonia Noel for her vision and dedication to the project and stated that “this woman has belly” to have executed such a monumental and historical event in this country.
Trinidadian Dominique Laroche unveiled his “Wearable Art” to the fashion enthusiasts present at the Buddy’s International Hotel. He utilized black veils to cover the head of his models to add a different flair and a bit of flavour. The high point of his presentation was when one of the male models came out in fawn slacks and a cream long sleeved top. When he was headed back and halfway down the runway the model turned around, took off his top, turned it over, then reveal a reversible side to the top. This was received with amazement and satisfaction by the females present. He also showcased a beautiful flowing white wedding gown with a matching male veil. This was an interesting insertion into the night’s proceedings.
bit by playing the recent hit single “African Queen” as catwalk music to fittingly display her African print designs. She also presented matching male and female African bridal apparel which was most delightful and entertaining. Donna Dove resides in the USA but originates from the twin island republic and brought her “Sugarcane” collection to the shores of Guyana. She expertly fitted both male and female models with colorful hand- painted clothing to reflect the bright colorful nature of the Caribbean. She also made provisions for full figured women in her line.
The final designer was, most appropriately, Ms. Sonia Noel. She brought the curtains down on this inaugural Guyana Fashion Weekend by displaying her fashion line “Mariska’s Designs”. Her pieces were accessorized with leopard spotted hats and scarves and added spice to the display. She also sought to display her versatility and skill by displaying a pair of models wearing the same coloured clothing but in different styles. To seal the deal so to speak all the models who participated in the event were asked to take one final trip down the catwalk. This event is expected to be an annual feature and will grow, as the years progress, to attract even more international attention and will hold a significant place in our country’s entertainment and tourism sector. Congratulations to the committee particularly Ms. Sonia Noel, on a job well done. Thank you for your vision and determination.
professionalism. The time printed on the tickets was 19:00 hrs, this time was upheld and may have hurt those who like to be *fashionably late*. According to a source, at 18:00 hrs the first two designers scheduled to display their pieces already had their models ready for the catwalk; all they had to do is keep cool until show time. This alone shows the level of preparedness and professionalism present in the organizing and executing this presentation.
The models were excellent in their presentation of the pieces they were selected to perform in, the females were graceful and poised as they strutted their stuff down the catwalk. Their appearance came to the pleasure of the men in attendance. The swimsuit and lingerie segments were exceptionally entertaining and fun to watch. The models were of differing ages and body types. The designers expertly fitted them with pieces which matched each body type and age exquisitely. The male contingent was atheistically received by the many females in attendance. There was hearty applause, whistles of approval and even shouts of encouragement coming from the packed conference room. The men moved confidently along the catwalk displaying swimsuits, shorts & casual wear. There was one difference when a male and a female model appeared together holding hands wearing matching black lingerie. They appeared to the pleasure and satisfaction of the gathering.
challenge for the well-trained models who were able to step to the beats with accuracy and style. There was one notable change in the music which caught my attention. Designer Cleon Cummings, out of the USA, started his segment of the program with Vybz Kartel. This was the only time during the evening that a dub, hip hop, and reggae mix was added to the music selections.
The designers who showcased their outfit brought a blend of the various styles of clothing. There were sizzling displays of swimwear and lingerie, elegant displays of casual wear, and to a lesser extent evening and formal wear. Some designers decided to spice up their displays with body and face paintings, costumes, and one designer even used hats in addition to the designs. Some designers displayed their matching male and female pieces which was a good sign of versatility. The majority of the designers opted to use a mixture of male and female models for their presentations. Sonia Noel on the other hand decided to showcase her collection utilizing only male models. This decision was certainly not contested by the female contingent of the large audience.
distinction between the V.I.P and L.I.P-less important people- seating areas. I was made to understand the only difference between the V.I.P tickets and the ordinary tickets was complimentary drinks. Some parts of the room were still hot despite the fact the air conditioning was on. Despite this, the evening was hailed as a success by the many patrons who made this a sold out affair. This event has undoubtedly propelled the fashion industry, the entertainment arena, the tourism sector and by virtue of that the country even more unto the international scene in a positive light.
From all indications the event was a tremendous success. It was considered a success not only because it was sold out, but because there were several notable figures present. Some of the more notworthy individuals there were His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Tourism- Mr. Maniram Prashad – and Franchise owner for the Miss Guyana World pageant and M.P. Mr. Odinga Lamumba. With this level of support the event was bound to attract the attention it received.