Ravi B brings early Christmas to St Helena Monday, December 13 2010
TRINIDAD NEWSDAY - CHUTNEY Soca Monarch, Ravi Bissembhar (Ravi B) recently teamed up with the “one and only” Santa Claus to bring early Christmas joy to the children of St Helena and environs, as the St Helena Development Corporation staged its annual Christmas Treat and Family Day at Eco Park, St Helena.
Hundreds of children were treated to a full day of fun games, rides, treats and special giveaways with food and liquid refreshments available to beat the heat. At approximately 4.30 pm, Bissembhar and Santa Claus arrived via helicopter and circled the park before landing on the outskirts, a safe distance from the action.
“Christmas is a very special time for families and children in general,” said Bissembhar, “so we wanted to add some excitement to the day with our special arrival. The flight was short, but very cool and fun, so I enjoyed the experience and the adventure.”
Once on the ground, Santa and Bissembhar then held court: greeting children on their way to the stage and then sharing presents, sweets, hugs, kisses, photos and best wishes of the season. Hundreds of children lined up with their parents to share a few minutes each with the two popular personalities and both were in high spirits as they interacted with the families in attendance.
After darkness descended on the plain and the younger children were taken home, frontline singers, Nisha B and Gregory Ayuen joined Ravi B on stage as Karma performed for the adults in attendance and put the cap on a fun-filled day in the community.
St Helena Development Corporation Director, Prandeo Sitahal explained that their aim is to transform Eco Park into a multi-purpose facility, which can accommodate fun, healthy activities for adults and children alike.
"We've been doing this event now for about 12 years," explained Sitahal, "and every year it gets bigger and better because we invite the parents and children from all the surrounding areas and even as far as Arima. We're all about community improvement and this park plays a big part in this community. Now we have a newly-paved walking-track 510 metres long, which was a project we embarked upon after recognising we have a lot of diabetes cases in the area. Of course, we are an NGO and a non-profit organisation, so we want to thank the People's Partnership Government as well as those who have helped us: KFC, Prestige Holdings, Harry Persad and Sons, Sunil and Anna Persad, Rattan Ramkissoon and Sons, Rajeem Dhul Pundit, Ramsingh's Hardrock Pub, Airport's Authority of TT, Caribbean Airlines, Mr Lackansingh and family and I really hope that they continue to assist us in making our community a better, healthier place to live."
Bissembhar thanked the organisers and revealed his intention to stage a special children's show for Carnival 2011.
“This was the kind of event that really lights up your whole week,” commented Bissembhar afterward. “Children give you a level of joy, energy and love that you hardly get from adults, so it really fills you up and makes you want to reciprocate as much as possible.
“That’s why we’re (Karma) preparing to do our first children’s show early in the season next year. The children are the future and if we want a bright, prosperous future filled with love and peace and free of crime, racialism and disunity, we have to plant the seeds now. I definitely want to thank the St Helena Development Committee for inviting us to be a part of this wonderful event and for arranging my special transportation. It will certainly be an experience I will never forget.”
