ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

The Ministry of Tourism has once again partnered with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) for the annual gift giving program. 

The FCCA Charitable Foundation provides a tangible mechanism for the cruise industry to fund a range of humanitarian causes throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Its holiday gift project reaches out to the partners in the Caribbean and Latin American destinations to provide gifts to children in foster homes or institutions where holiday gifts would not ordinarily be possible. 
 

A brief ceremony to commemorate this wonderful occasion was held at the Multi Purpose Exhibition and Cultural Centre –Perry Bay.   Mr. Corthwright Marshall - Directory of Tourism Policy & Planning within the Ministry of Tourism gave the opening remarks which emphasized the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of love. Children further conveyed the warmth of the season through Christmas carols rendered on pan and in song. The gathering was even treated with a poem which brought “Glad Tidings” to the event. Crew members from the Norwegian Dawn, appropriately decked in Santa’s elves attire and Santa himself then distributed gifts to the children. They also received a chance to take photos with Santa and were treated with a holiday party after the ceremony.

This year some of the institutions that participated included; The Child and Family Guidance Centre, The Amazing Grace Foundation, The Salvation Army - Sunshine Home for Girls, Adele School and The Citizens Welfare Division. 
 

A number of local private businesses also participated through sponsorship of treats for the children after the ceremony. The Ministry of Toursim extends heartfelt thanks and holiday greetings to Mr. Hewey Wilshire, Chef 2 U, Omaha Bakery, Sandals Grande Resort & Spa, Island Provision, Anjo Wholesale, Ken’s Club, Christos Supermarket, Bargain Centre Supermarket, Antigua Home & Office Depot, Shoul’s Toys Gifts & Housewares, Bryson’s Shipping and Food Brokerage who took part and made this event possible.