The Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry yesterday launched `Christmas Village 2001' at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia.

At about 6:15 pm, Maria Nadir, wife of Tourism Minister, Manzoor Nadir, officially commenced the proceedings by switching on the lights illuminating the centre. Numerous bulbs were positioned in the surrounding trees. Preceding the lighting up was an entertaining children's parade, a dance treat by Stella Maris Primary School student, Christopher Ramsammy, and other cultural performances including a song composed by a hinterland resident.

Several enterprises, among them, Banks DIH, Royal Castle, the New Thriving Chinese restaurant and the Guyana Organisation of Indigenous People in collaboration with the Rural Women's Network have set up booths for the three-day event.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Sonia Roopnauth said that the undertaking has been designed for the pleasure of the entire family and invited all present to join wholeheartedly in the fun. "Each night there will be different activities," she stated. Students from the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Steel Pan Band delighted the crowd with Christmas melodies. Miss Guyana 2001 made a brief stage appearance during which the slender beauty reiterated her gratitude to Guyanese for their support while she represented the country in South Africa at the Miss World Pageant recently. Gopaul assured that she promoted Guyana to the best of her ability, adding that for her, that was most rewarding.

Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Canadian High Commissioner, Serge Marcoux; and other diplomatic corps members were among those at the launching.