DaSilva wins ‘Best Lit House’ 2015

Olivia DaSilva of Cane End has edged last year’s winner Jimmy Samuel into second place in this year’s ‘VINLEC- Kenneth Ash Memorial Best Lit House’ competition.

DaSilva, who last won the competition in 2012, told SEARCHLIGHT in an interview yesterday that she is humbled and extremely proud of herself.

“I am humbled and I feel proud to know that I have won this year. I don’t boast like my competitors,{{more}} but I am thankful that although I was sick… I just took my own time, guided by the Holy Spirit and I was able to explain to the judges what I have and why I have this at this point and what this represents. So, the outcome was a very good one and I am happy.”

The Cane End resident, who has been entering the competition since 2000, also stated that she feels compelled to ‘drop’ her lights every year for the good of the community and the children.

“I do it for the love of doing it for the good of the community, because nowhere in Cane End you would find any lights, so I do it for the good of the children.

“Even before school closes they would ask me when am I going to put on the lights. From since I turn on the lights up until last night I’m having visitors; so people just look forward to it,” said DaSilva, who also won the competition in 2007 and 2008.

Additionally she explained that her themes every year are inspired by Christ, with this year’s theme being: ‘Jesus Christ: The reason for the season; come let’s celebrate’.

DaSilva credits her victory to hard work and her humility.

“The honest truth is I am a humble person. I drop my lights myself; I do not bring in an electrician. I do my own theme; I work around my theme and that is how I do it.”

DaSilva told SEARCHLIGHT that she plans to continue to participate in the competition, once the good Lord allows it.

“…I would continue to do it once my life is being spared. If I don’t have it, then the children and grandchildren and in-laws can drop them.”

Jimmy Samuel of Rillan Hill was relegated to second place, with Sylvan Baptiste of Questelles taking third place.

For the fifth consecutive year, Stubbs won the prize for the Best Nine Mornings Community, with Barrouallie placing second, Layou third and Carriere placing fourth. Port Elizabeth, Bequia won the award for Best Christmas Community, with Carriere taking second position, Layou third and Richland Park, fourth.

Point Village was adjudged national champion of the VINLEC Community Lighting Competition, with Rose Bank taking second place and Cotton Ground, third.(CM)