Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir said the concept of the Christmas Village, which was introduced last year, is one "where families can come out, get into the spirit of the season and purchase their gift items and toys for the kids...and where they can come out and be entertained and partake of food, drinks and games and have a jolly time".

According to Nadir, the Christmas Village "went-down well last year and we thought we would try and make this an annual event by having it again this year and hopefully also next year and the year after".

The Christmas Village would be held at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on December 13 to 16 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday) and Nadir said the admission cost is $300 for adults and $100 for kids.

"What we are really going to do, in terms of the concept, is make it into a Christmas Village - lots of lights, a Manger and plenty decorations for Christmas. These are going up right now so when you come in here over the weekend, you can bring out the entire family and you can be reasurred about security and you can really treat your kids to a nice Christmas outing at the Sophia National Exhibition Complex," Nadir told this newspaper yesterday during a visit to the Exhibition Site to see how preparatory works are progressing.

Nadir also noted that a number of security companies were contracted to provide security within and immediately around the Exhibition Complex.

"The Christmas Village is really for you to come out and to get into the festive season," the Minister stated. According to him, `Majestics’ will provide the music, while there will also be acrobatic shows, and a special treat for people - a Pupet show which will focus on the story of Jesus Christ.

Nadir feels the four-day event will be enjoyed by the entire family. He said, too, that "a very attractive and well decorated 25-foot Christmas Tree" would be on display at the Christmas Village.

"So far it's a Ministry of Tourism initiative and we are hoping that it can end up being an economic venture too," Minister Nadir said.