The Government Employees’ Retirement System embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving and Black Friday at a new level by inviting the Virgin Islands community to partake in Black Friday sales at Havensight Mall stores, with local vendors providing food, drinks, and entertainment for the public.
Live music swayed the crowd, offering a variety of tunes to complement the event. The venue showcased a diverse selection of local vendors.
Jahmed Mills, director of retail, dining and entertainment at GERS-Havensight, strategically scheduled the event after Thanksgiving to encourage the community to recognize their power in continuing lively events to preserve and embrace the culture of the Virgin Islands. “Between the previous hurricanes and COVID, there has been a disconnect in our community. The significance of this event is to bridge the gap and bring back the togetherness we’ve been longing for,” Mills said.
GERS will invite vendors and live entertainment at that same location on the third Friday of each month, continuing thereafter to encourage more local support and give tourists a taste of the Caribbean. “One thing I would want locals and tourists at this event to take away is synergy and good vibes because we are trying to bring back the reconnection we lost due to the past. We are social beings! We were made to be together,” Mills said.
The free event attracted attendees from various parts of the island, promoting Black Friday sales and offering guests an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping. A local, Dwayne Dawson, expressed similar sentiments by stating, “It’s really good to see the community come out and support the local stores and vendors. I’m definitely taking advantage of sales as I get more ideas for holiday gifts,” Dawson said. “I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving, stays safe and is thankful for the holidays because it reminds us to be grateful for what we have.”
Black Friday sales began as early as 9 a.m. and continued as vendors started serving the public from 4 to 9 p.m. Little Switzerland’s Jocelyn Orta encouraged buyers to invest in the store’s luxury-brand diamonds and accessories, which make perfect gifts. “Christmas is around the corner, and watching people get out of the comfort of their homes to have this experience — you never know what you might find,” Orta said.
Nearby stores offered other promotions for shoppers, including discounts ranging from half off to buy-one-get-one-half-off deals.
However, the stores weren’t the only ones treating the community. Shawn Dogue, a vendor, introduced his liquor-infused popcorn to anyone brave enough to try it. The flavors he presented included Ciroc Pineapple, Grey Goose, Cruzan Banana, Cruzan Coconut, and the most popular, Crown Royal Apple-flavored popcorn, accompanied by homemade nonalcoholic butter cookies. “This is not your regular popcorn. It doesn’t get stale or soggy and stays fresh for up to six months,” Dogue said.
He explained that his fascination with popcorn grew during the COVID pandemic, and it took him 30 attempts to perfect the popcorn and liquor ratio with added flavors to make it more appealing. “I originally flew in from Atlanta to display my brand for a different event, but I couldn’t miss what was going on in Havensight,” Dogue said. Tipsy Pops can be found on all social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram (@tipsypops1).
“We can thank the retirees and the entire GERS staff. They dedicated their time and energy to ensure this event is and will continue to be a success. We also want to thank the local vendors and store owners for their part as well,” Mills said.
