There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

-Colin Powell

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2012

Dear Valued Reader,

By the time this edition of GEM hits the newsstands, regional and general elections in Guyana would have ended, bringing an end to the kind of entertainment we only see once every five years.

Through song, dance, posters and other forms of campaign strategies, electorates were bombarded by politicians as they pandered for votes.

Who so ever wins, I wish them well and hope that they seriously work on curbing the many social issues that continue to plague our nation.

I hope that a new government will pursue a path that will help us achieve racial harmony, equal justice and brighter future for all.

Finally, I hope the new administration will have the vision and fortitude to get Guyana back in its rightful place of being the leader in academics and the bread basket of the region.

It’s that time of the year for us to rollout the much anticipated Holiday issue of GEM. This edition just about covers everything. From food, to gifts to fashion, issue 48 has it all.

Check-out our 2011 Wish List of great items for the stockings. Many of our clients in the retail and service industries, sent us their list of hot items for the season, so be sure to stop by their establishments during your shopping trips.

Every cover person we have selected thus far is now a part of the history of GEM. They are women and men who are on top of their game, people contributing in some way to the ever changing trends and lifestyles in Guyana and the Diaspora.

We close this fantastic year with cosmetologist Colleen Reis on our cover. Colleen and her team at Milady’s House of Beauty in Queenstown, Georgetown, have been making many women and men look their best for many years. In this exclusive feature, writer Donna Shortt-Gill chats with her in an up-close and personal interview.

Thanks to all our supporters for helping to make this year memorable.

Thanks to the staff at Corbin Media Group for helping me to execute my vision this year. We can only be better in 2012.

Savor this wonderful Guyanese Christmas season, and I’ll see you around town!

Enjoy yourself,
Simeon L Corbin
Founder & Publisher
GEM
http://www.facebook.com/GEM.Guyana