By Devon Evans, Freelance WriterOCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
OVER 250 children were fêted and presented with gifts recently by crew members of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship 'Voyager of the Seas' at a special Christmas treat that was held at the Island Village in Ocho Rios.
The event, which is part of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) annual Christmas treat for less fortunate children in its Caribbean destination, was organised in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board.
FULL OF EXCITEMENT
The children, who were mainly from the Edge Hill School of Special Education, the Mansfield Heights Basic School and communities around Ocho Rios, were full of excitement when Santa Clause, played by Cyrus Miranda of India, and his elves entered the Cove Cinema with their boxes of gifts.
After enjoying a presentation of the popular cartoon, 'Shrek' the children entertained the FCCA representatives with a number of cultural items, which were warmly received.
The treat began with words of welcome by MC, Sharon Williams, the Jamaica Tourist Board Cruise Shipping coordinator while prayers were said by Mrs. Cynthia Campbell, a teacher of the Edge Hill School of Special Education.
The presentation of gifts to the children by Santa was a most exciting affair with each of them looking extremely pleased and smiling broadly after collecting their Christmas gift.
Cruise activities manager of Voyager of the Seas, Marge Rodger, and the other 23 crew members, also found the treat to be equally exciting and Ms. Rodger was quick to admit that it was a most wonderful experience for them all.
