Incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were on Monday morning given a taste of Christmas, Guyanese style, as the airport continued its tradition of celebrating the major holidays in Guyana.
Black cake, which is synonymous with Guyanese celebrations, especially during the Christmas holidays, was among the various treats.
A little after 09: 00h, passengers deplaned from two Caribbean Airlines flights and were greeted by CJIA customer service representatives; Demerara Distillers Limited’s ‘El Dorado ladies’, Edward Beharry’s Chico man and his beautiful helpers, as well as Windsor Estates and the Guyana Tourism Authority ‘black cake’ ladies.
CJIA’s Santa and his personal one-man band kept the festive momentum going with their unique brand of Christmas spirit. As usual, the duo was a massive hit with the children. The students of Success Elementary choir gave youthful, yet masterful renditions of Christmas carols, while the Republican Steel Orchestra added that ‘pan’ touch of class. Santa hats were also distributed.
According to GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, there is no Christmas like Christmas in Guyana. “It is very proud moment to greet passengers in this style and fashion, and it is not only Christmas time [we do this] but other major Guyana celebrations, including Mashramani, Easter, Phagwah, Emancipation, and Diwali… this makes CJIA unique and one of the friendliest airports in this part of the world,” he added.
The annual meet and greet concludes on December 24.
The Oasis Café, Demerara Distillers Limited, Windsor Estates, Friendly’s Restaurant and Bar, Bakewell, Digicel, Candy Corner, Edward Beharry, and Caribbean International Distributors Inc (CIDI) are on board to make the activity a remarkable and memorable one.
Annual parade
In keeping with the holiday spirit, the airport’s chief executive officer, Ramesh Ghir said CJIA’s annual parade, now in its sixth year, will take place on December 20.
“We have a number of sponsors with us, and we will take the opportunity to go into the Timehri North area and share out some gifts,” he told reporters.
He also introduced the airport’s three customer service representatives. The customer service unit was established two and half months ago, with a view to improving the quality of services offered.
On the security front, he expressed confidence that “all will be well” during the season, since security has heightened.
