The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 200 under-privileged youngsters on Grand Bahama received Christmas gifts and were treated to lunch during the annual gift-giving project hosted by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.

The event was held Tuesday at the Freeport Harbour, where crew members of the Norwegian Sky - dressed up as Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and elves - delivered presents to the students.

Every year, the FCCA, along with FCCA Member Lines, participate in gift-giving events during December at various Caribbean destinations, delivering boxes of toys and games for children.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, manager of maritime and sport tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, said the Christmas season is about giving, and he thanked FCCA for continuing to give back to the Caribbean in this way.

“They have been doing this for a very long time. Today we are celebrating the spirit of giving as we move into the holiday season and we have about 200 under privileged youngsters from various schools here; it is always good to have the kids come out.”

Mr Chotoosingh told the students that it is very important for them to be thankful for what they have and to remember those in the southern Bahamas who lost so much during Hurricane Joaquin.

Maida Ponce, group service coordinator at Norwegian Sky, said they were very excited to be participating in the gift giving project this year. Some 25 crew members volunteered to participate.

“We provided the gifts for the children and we were very happy to be able to bring smiles to the faces of so many children in Grand Bahama,” she said.

The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organisation composed of 19 Member Lines operating over 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters. Created in 1972, the FCCA’s mandate is to provide a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues and to develop bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors.

By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximise cruise passengers, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the number of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors.