Latest update January 18th, 2025 7:00 AM
Courts Guyana Inc. stages Emancipation dress competition
As Emancipation celebrations sweep the nation, Courts Guyana Inc. joined in the festivities by hosting its fifth annual Emancipation Dress Competition.
The competition, held at the Main Street, Georgetown branch, was in full swing from 10:00 hours yesterday with fine displays of African cultural wear. Both men and women participated, showing off their own creative costumes.
The contestants in the competition
All outfits in both categories (male and female) were judged on originality, completion and display.
The competition seeks to encourage the staff to become more knowledgeable and appreciative of African culture in Guyana.
Lester Alvis, Country Manager, remarked that the Courts stores not only want business to be successful but would like others to know that they pride themselves in giving back to the community.
With an African themed backdrop and African pottery making up the ‘stage’, the audience gathered at the Dining Section of the showroom and patiently awaited the appearance of the participants.
Upon the announcement of their arrival the crowd parted to make way for the procession. Then the competition began, and a very tight competition it was.
Name after name was called, and the contestants made their way into the spotlight one by one, strutting their stuff to the rhythms of the beats of the drums. All wooed the crowd into cheers and laughter at their antics; most often dancing into full view and giving the on-lookers their best moves.
They all went back to their roots, pulling off traditional African dance moves, if not perfectly, to the best of their abilities.
There were a total of 14 (nine women and five men) competitors, all employees at the store.
First places for each category went to Shaundell Daniels and Wilfred Cameron. Both had very decorative costumes, and matching African accessories, Cameron being especially acknowledged for his antics as he showed off his outfit.
Mr. Alvis was called into the spotlight by members of the audience and also displayed his African garb with much enthusiasm and his own swagger.
The African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) both endorsed this activity and had representatives; Ms. Aisha Jean-Baptiste, Abiola Jacobs and Mr. Eric Phillips, on the judging panel.
Mr. Alvis, Lavern Bakker (both of Courts Guyana Inc.) and Mr. Yaphet Jackman made up the remainder of the judging panel.
With pride and appreciation, with drummers and dancers present, this small event proved to be a big success, encouraging all those present to anticipate the programme planned for next year. Well done Courts!!
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Burnham must be having a good laugh
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Each week, the more Bharrat Jagdeo speaks, the more the lines between party and government... more
Clarifying misconceptions about the Panama Canal
Sir Ronald Sanders (Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS) By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News–... more
Weekend Cartoon
