About 200 children from across Saint Lucia were treated to gifts, games and holiday cheer on Wednesday, as the annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Holiday Gift Project brought festive joy to young students gathered at Serenity Park in Castries.
The long‑running regional initiative supports underprivileged children throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, with this year’s Saint Lucia edition welcoming students aged five to 12 from 15 schools for entertainment, activities and a visit from Santa.
This week, the Ministry of Tourism announced its participation in the gift-giving project, which was also supported by the MSC Virtuosa vessel and Diamonds International.
About 20 students each attended from Canon Laurie Anglican Primary, Ciceron R.C. Combined, Bocage Combined, La Croix Maingot Combined, Roseau Combined, Gordon Walcott Memorial, Plain View Combined, Blanchard Combined, Odsan Combined, Morne Du Don Primary, Desruisseaux Combined, Bishop Charles Gachet Primary, Forestierre Methodist Combined, Millet Primary School and Grow Well Incorporated.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Donalyn Vittet, told St. Lucia Times that the occasion serves as “a symbol of gift giving” and “giving back to the children of Saint Lucia”.
Vittet said the event is designed to create a wide footprint across the island, with schools selected from urban, rural and special community settings.
“We normally rotate and call different children to experience today,” she explained, stating the Ministry’s intention to ensure that as many young Saint Lucians as possible benefit over the years.
The event was also supported by several local industries. Transportation providers within the cruise sector volunteered to bring students to and from the venue, while the accommodation sector and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association assisted with snacks and refreshments.
A crew of about 35 from MSC Virtuosa, including Santa and mascots, engaged the children throughout the celebration.
The day’s programme included games, music and interactive activities for a celebration “filled with joy, filled with laughter”.
Vittet expressed hope that future editions will continue to rotate among institutions, allowing a wider range of children to benefit. “We really need to touch as many schools as possible,” she said, noting the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that cruise tourism delivers positive, people-centred benefits.
