FCCA & Royal Caribbean Bring Cheer To Local Children
Over 100 students at the Holy Innocents’ Primary School, located in Welchman Hall, St. Thomas, along with girls from the I Am A Girl not-for-profit organisation, received holiday joy and cheer today.
They were given early Christmas gifts compliments of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, in collaboration with the Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas, Diamonds International, and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).
Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI, Andrea Franklin, noted that the event was about shining a light on the joy the Christmas season brings and the powerful impact of community partnerships.
“We are delighted to bring a little light to the lives of young children from across our island, ensuring they receive some extra cheer this Christmas season. And these gifts represent more than just tangible items, but they are symbols of love, care, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation. This event is a testament to the incredible potential of tourism to extend far beyond leisure and relaxation.”
Ms. Franklin added that when tourism partners invest in local communities, “they create bonds” that strengthen the island and enrich the experiences of those who visit.
“We value these collaborations with our cruise partners as they remain committed to the region and certainly our destination by giving back to our communities. Our collaboration today highlights the powerful role tourism can play in fostering goodwill and bringing positive change to our communities,” she said.
Captain of the Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas, Filip Norberg, said he was “happy to be here to engage with the community from Barbados”. He, along with some crew members from the ship, dressed as elves and Santa Claus and handed out gifts to the children.
Principal of the school, Jaqueline Brome, thanked everyone involved and said the activity is evidence of tourism at work and demonstrates generosity.
“The students throughout the term and the year would have been given opportunities to share, and now they are receiving. They will also be reminded that to whom much is given, much is expected. So today, as the individuals and organisations representing here today continue to spread the holiday cheer, I just want to say, may all of you receive abundant blessings this Christmas season. God bless and once again, thank you,” Ms. Brome said.
Also expressing gratitude was the founder of I Am A Girl, Alian Ollivierre. She said: “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my team, the girls we serve, and all of the generosity being shown during these trying times and in this season of love to the beneficiaries of I Am A Girl and the students here.
“We gather here today, as I see it, in honour of the spirit of community with a shared purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it and deserve it most, the children; and it’s because of the compassion, dedication and selflessness of partners, such as the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., that we are able to continue to shine a light on the importance of this hard work.”
Author: Sheena Foree-Craigg