Some 208 gifts were given to the Territory’s students on December 12 as part of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Holiday Gift Project.

The FCCA Holiday Gift Project is a charitable initiative of the Caribbean-Florida Cruise Association Foundation in partnership with individual Caribbean destinations and in collaboration with Government of the Virgin Islands, aimed to provide holiday gifts to children who may not otherwise receive Christmas presents.

Norwegian Cruise Line representative, Ms. Ligaya Dagasdas and twenty-two (22) crew members of the Cruise line, Norwegian Bliss, joined Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Geraldine Ritter-Freeman and staff, along with the Family Support Network Director, Mrs. Sasha Stoutt in welcoming all the schools that were able to participate in this year’s Holiday Gift Project.

Mrs. Ritter-Freeman said, “Due to the devastation caused by the hurricanes of 2017, the FCCA was unable to spread the joys of giving to children in the Territory. We are very much grateful to see the many happy and thankful faces as our children celebrate in the receiving of gifts this year.”

Mrs. Ritter-Freeman added, “The annual gift giving activity has become a welcomed tradition in the community and the children look forward to the event every year. Gifts are also sent to the sister islands to ensure that as many children benefit from the gesture.”

All remaining gifts will be distributed to those students who were unable to attend.

The Government of the Virgin Islands along with the Board of Directors, the Director and staff of the Family Support Network, thanks the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and the Staff and Crew of the Norwegian Bliss for their continued support in spreading Christmas cheer to the children of the Virgin Islands.

Photo caption:  Crew members of the Norwegian Cruise line, Norwegian Bliss, joined with students, the Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Geraldine Ritter-Freeman and members of the Premier’s Office staff along with the Family Support Network Director, Mrs. Shasha Stoutt. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)