GWS - Christmas Tree 2003
Bringing joy and cheer....... Santa Claus at GWS' Christmas Tree Programme in Kuwait
It's that time of the year when bells jingle, carols are sung, Santa Claus arrives at your doorstep with a whole lot of goodies and gifts, and yet another year dawns. A carnival-like atmosphere envelops in the midst of all the children and the parents alike.
This is what was witnessed at the newly renovated Faker Eldeen Restuarant, Kuwait City this week with Kuwait top music makers, Top Ranks in attendance joining the large crowd with the song "Santa Claus coming to town' along with the organizers, Goa's umbrella organization, Goan Welfare Society-Kuwait. Earlier in the morning, A Thanksgiving Mass was offered by GWS in honour of Goa's patron saint, Goencho Saib, ' Saint Francis Xavier' at the Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City on the occasion of its 14th anniversary.
This is what was witnessed at the newly renovated Faker Eldeen Restuarant, Kuwait City this week with Kuwait top music makers, Top Ranks in attendance joining the large crowd with the song "Santa Claus coming to town' along with the organizers, Goa's umbrella organization, Goan Welfare Society-Kuwait. Earlier in the morning, A Thanksgiving Mass was offered by GWS in honour of Goa's patron saint, Goencho Saib, ' Saint Francis Xavier'. The live 'Nativity Scene', under the direction of Dominic Fernandes, senior member of the Goan Welfare Society, with Simona De Sousa and Dwane Almeida enacting the roles of Mary and Joseph and the accompanying Angel (Charmaine Almeida) holding the star in the manger was very much liked by all.
The novel idea of traditional Indian dancers (Rachel, Sinead and Savanna), a drummer boy (Sinclaire De Sousa) and children with hand-made lanterns (lampiao) with candles glowing added an ambience of the spirit of Christmas back home in Goa. Lots of competitions and games for the children were organized and prizes won by the participants. The fancy dress competition had lots of entries in the various categories and the winners are: Kingsley Fernandes (Reindeer), Adam Fernandes (Soldier), Astrid Anna Fernandes (Angel), Caris D'Costa (Hawaiian Dancer), Chryzan Fernandes (Xmas Holly), Sinead Fernandes (Indian Dancer), Simona De Sousa (Dancer), Queenie Fernandes (Model) and Sinclaire A. De Sousa (Drummer Boy). The prize winners for the games were Elena Gomes, Reeve Fernandes, Charmaine Almeida, Edson Gomes, Dorothy Almeida and Lucianne Fernandes. The novelty dance prize winners are Yamini Fernandes and Brian Fernandes; and Catherine Gomes and Abel Gomes. Scores of spot prizes were given away as also to the first couple on the floor, namely Joseph Rebello and Rhonda Fernandes.
The winners are: Gustav Faria, Eric Alvares, Cheyanne Pinto, John Gracias, Jeff Thomas, Francis D'Mello, Agnelo Monteiro, Santan Fernandes, Francisca Fernandes, Domingos Araujo, Manuel Fernandes, Khalid Alaa, Jyotish Nair, Paul Brendel Rajesh, Tome Gracias, Satish Kumar, Candida Pereira, Muriel Alphonso, William Fernandes, Julinka Pereira, Tony Cordeiro, Diago D'Souza and Jerry. GWS General Secretary, Gaspar Almeida proposed a vote of thanks and wished a Merry Christmas to all.
The Top Ranks group deserves a big hand for their excellent music and new top of the charts numbers played throughout.
The organizers take this opportunity to thank Dana Optics, Safeena Trading Co., Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) and to all the other gift donors.
(News item, courtesy: Kuwait
Times)
(Pictures by Rewon Gomes, professional photographer)