GWS heralds in the Christmas Tidings

The annual GWS Christmas Tree 2002 programme, organized by the Goan Welfare Society-Kuwait was held at the Messilah Beach Hotel, Habiba Ballroom from 11:00 a.m. until dusk on 6th December 2002. The programme consisted of games, fancy dress competition, Christmas carols, crib competition and Santa's grand entry to the merriment of the children. The hall gave a Christmas festive look with special décor and Christmas tableau by GWS member's children, organized and directed by Domnic Fernandes. Top Ranks kept the crowd merry with lively music and GWs Vice President, Julio Cardozo's unimitable compereing added to the success of the programme. The buffet lunch was enjoyed by all and every child and even teenagers went home with sweet packets from Cadburys and Baskin Robins – sponsored by Kuwait Food Company (Americana).

The Christmas Hamper's first prize – an airticket Kuwait-Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai-Kuwait, sponsored by Air India, was won by Wasik Ahmed W. Parker. The second and third prizes went to John Silveria, and Rachel D'Souza. The other prize winners are: Laurente Pereira, Ivo F.X. D'Costa, Annie Mark Felex, Craig Sequeira, Brendan Crasto, Adrian Menezes, and Abigail Fernandes. Consolation prizes winners, sponsored by Livestock Transport & Trading Co. are: Brendo Crasto, Malik Shabas Ali, Ali Sheikh, Tony D'Costa, Francis Fernandes, Kyle Rodrigues, Jerosky Rodrigues, John Luis, Rochel Gracias, Tama Fernandes, Margini Jacob, Patsy Menezes, Eric Alvares, Domnic Lobo, Rosy Pereira, George Cardozo, Patricia Correia, and Shaba Murli. The buffet lunch was enjoyed by all and every child and even teenagers went home with sweet packets and gifts from Cadburys and Baskin Robins – sponsored by Kuwait Food Co. (Americana).

GWS President, Tony Cordeiro welcomed the guests and conveyed message of love and tidings to all present. Mr. T. Cherian, Attache – Embassy of India, Kuwait was the 'guest of honour'. On behalf of His Excellency, The Ambassador, he greeted each and every Goan on this joyous occasion.

A total number of 18 children participated in the Fancy Dress Competition held in three groups.

The winners are: Group A (1-4 years): 1st Prize: Chryzan
Fernandes (Christmas Tree), 2nd Prize: Kimberly Marian
Crasta (Christmas Stocking); 3rd Prize: Nikita Pinto
(Gipsy). Group B (5-9 years): 1st Prize: Kingsley
Fernandes (Christmas Star), 2nd Prize: Benjamin
Fernandes (Charlie Chaplin), 3rd Prize: Adelbert
Remedios (Bon-Bon Christmas); Group C (10-15 years):
1st Prize: Amanda Cardoso (Pirate), 1st Prize: Queenie
Fernandes (Witch) – the first prize was shared with
equal points; 3rd Prize: Ian Rodrigues (Drunkard).
The judges for the competition were: Anthony
Rodrigues, Pam Vaz, and Dr. Melenia Jacob. A sumptuous
lunch buffet by Messilah Beach Hotel chef was enjoyed
by all. The crib competition prize winners: 1st Prize
 

– Calvin Sequeira; and 2nd Prize – Fiona Noronha. With Top Ranks, singing 'Feliz Navidad', the programme ended with the crowd wishing one another.

A colourful souvenir was released on the occasion highlighting the GWS events of 2001-2002.

Earlier at 9:00 a.m. a Thanksgiving Mass in honour of GWS Patron saint, St. Francis Xavier, on the occasion of GWS' 13th annivesary - was offered at the Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City.

(Report courtesy: THE TIMES)

(Pictures - see Issue dated Dec. 13-21,2002
of THE TIMES)

(Pictures courtesy: Tome Gracias)

Goan Welfare Society-Kuwait adds:
The Managing Committee of the Goan Welfare Society takes this opportunity to wish all its members, patrons, advertisers, well-wishers and sponsors 'Seasons' Greetings'.

GWS would like to thank the Embassy of India, Air India (House of Travel), Kuwait Airways Corporation, Kuwait Food Company (Americana), Mr. Carmo Santos (Mahatta Freight Services), White Stores, Al-Mulla Insurance & Re-Insurance Broking Co., ORBIT Satellite Television & Radio Network, TOYOTA – Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer & Sons Est. Co., Al-Ahlia Air Conditioning Tradg. & Contrg. Co., Al Amer Electrical Company Limited Habrai Al Jazerati Trading Group, Livestock Trading Co., Al Sayer Communications, Messilah Beach Hotel, Al-Shaya & Al Sagar, Combined Group Co., Ashraf & Co. Ltd., Jashanmal, Kuwait Times , Top Ranks, Arab Times, Al-Sayer Communications, Mr. Peter Mendes, Danco, IKEA, NOKIA, The Times, www.goa-world.net, Mr.Cecil Pinto (Pinto & Pinto - Panjim,Goa), Mr. Domnic Fernandes, and all sponsors, advertisers, patron members, and all those who have participated, and contributed to make this ''Christmas Tree 2002'' programme a grand success.