G O A N S C E L E B R A T E C H R I S T M A S
The ninth Annual Christmas Tree of the Goan Welfare Society (GWS) was celebrated in a grand style at the “Habiba Ballroom” at Messilah Beach Hotel on 10th December 1999 with large number of members and their families attending together with the invited guests. It was a well organized function which provided wholesome entertainment to people of all ages, to the delight of the large gathering. The highlights of the evening was the Nativity Scene, specially penned and directed by Dr. Alroy Fernandes and Domnic Fernandes with the participation of Desiray Dias, Watson Fernandes, Ryan Pinto, Kevin D’Mello, Melvyn Fernandes, Jonathan Fernandes, Nigel Menezes, Lance D’Souza, Elrida Fernandes, Renita D’Souza, Chloe Fernandes, Jovinal Rodrigues, Joana Rodrigues and Melissa Fernandes. A special series of carols by ‘Top Ranks’ brought in the spirit of Christmas.
The earlier part of the session was mainly devoted to entertaining the children with games, fancy dress competition, arrival of Santa Claus, distribution of gifts and sweets, for the age groups between 1 – 12 in three categories. Kimberly Crasta as “X’mas Goody Bag” and Sinead Victoria Fernandes posing as “Rita Rose” won the first and second prizes respectively in category 1-4 years, Elrida Fernandes as “Moses” and Daniel Pereira as “Tarzan” were adjudged first and second in category 5-8 years; and Melissa Fernandes as “Neuri – Goan X’mas Sweet” and Jonathan Fernandes as “Bebdo Pedru” were adjudged first and second respectively by lots due to tie.
Mr. Alex Wilson Coelho, GWS President welcomed the guests and wished everyone present a joyous evening to share the tidings of Christmas and the New Year 2000. He made a special announcement regarding the Don Bosco High School in the pipeline tentatively scheduled to get off the ground from the next academic year. The late evening session was mainly concentrated on family entertainment with Top Ranks in extra-ordinary form, thrilling the crowd in their own inimitable style. There were prizes galore, all throughout. The lucky hamper draw prizes being Olympic Airways' sponsored ticket Kuwait/Athens/Kuwait won by Ms. Michelle Leitao, and the Jet Airways sponsored ticket Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai won by Mr. Baptist Gonsalves. The third prize winner was Ryan Fernandes and there were several consolation prizes. A colourful Souvenir was released to mark the occasion with Messages from H.E. The Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Mr. Prabhu Dayal and the GWS President, Mr. Alex Wilson Coelho. A detailed report by GWS General Secretary, Gaspar Almeida, highlighted the major activities undertaken throughout 1999 as well as planned for the year 2000 and beyond.
The winners of the Children’s Games were as follows: Group 1-4 years: Scott and Austin; Group 5-8 years: Avalon and Denver, and Group 9-12 years: Alwyn Pinto and Ryan. Mr. & Mrs. Sam Alphonso, GWS patron members, and representatives from major business houses, airlines, travel & trading houses attended the celebrations. The members and guests lauded the efforts of the Goan Welfare Society, in organizing such function which bring together a large number of people of their community to share in the joyous occasion of Christmas. In her brief speech, Mrs. Mabel Alphonso dwelt on the significance of this year’s Christmas and the advent of the millennium on the threshold.
The catering by Messilah Beach Hotel was delicious and well appreciated. Top Ranks, as usual, belted out season’s greetings songs and popular medleys in Konkani, keeping with the tradition of X’mas and in tune with the Goan moods. Scores of spot prizes including dinner/lunch coupons, electronic and consumer items were won by couples for the ‘Novelty Dance’.
In his vote of thanks, Gaspar Almeida, GWS General Secretary, expressed his hearty thanks to all members, sponsors, donors and others who helped make the function a success. All said and done, the function was a grand affair. GWS winded up the programme wishing one and all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2000. GWS is pleased to announce a special additional direct flight by Indian Airlines on Wednesday, 22nd December 1999 at 0130 hours. This is a direct result of a joint delegation of GWS and Goan football clubs request to Indian Airlines management due to seasonal rush.
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