Castries, Saint Lucia witnessed an outpouring of festive generosity on Wednesday as approximately 200 children from diverse backgrounds across the island gathered at Serenity Park for a special holiday celebration. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Holiday Gift Project, a long-standing regional initiative, transformed the park into a wonderland of joy for students aged five to twelve from fifteen different educational institutions.
The event represented a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, the MSC Virtuosa vessel, and Diamonds International, creating a comprehensive community outreach program. Students from schools including Canon Laurie Anglican Primary, Ciceron R.C. Combined, Bocage Combined, and several other institutions from both urban and rural areas participated in the day’s festivities.
Donalyn Vittet, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the symbolic importance of the event as both a gift-giving occasion and an opportunity to give back to Saint Lucia’s youth. The ministry implemented a rotational selection system to ensure broad geographical representation, with schools chosen from various community settings to maximize the program’s reach.
The celebration featured an array of entertainment options including interactive games, musical performances, and special appearances by Santa Claus and mascots from the MSC Virtuosa crew. Approximately 35 crew members volunteered their time to engage with the children throughout the event. Local tourism industry partners provided crucial support with transportation services ferrying students to and from the venue, while accommodation providers and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association contributed snacks and refreshments.
Vittet expressed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining this rotational approach in future editions, ensuring that cruise tourism delivers tangible, people-centered benefits to communities across Saint Lucia.