Students From Trelawny Schools Feted at Falmouth Pier

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) on December 13, 2011 collaborated with cruise ship ‘Oasis of the Seas’ to bring Christmas cheer to more than 200 students of three schools in Trelawny.

The students, from the Wilson’s Run and Troy Basic and Infant, and Hague Primary and Infant schools, were showered with toys and gift packages, at a function held at the Falmouth cruise ship pier.

The students were excited to visit the pier and interact with cruise passengers and JTB personnel. They also sang carols and demonstrated Jamaican dances.

The main attraction was the arrival of “Santa” played by cruise ship passenger Kevin Johnson from Orlando, Florida. The children received gifts from Santa and had their picture taken to preserve the occasion.

Visitor Relations Manager at the JTB, St. James Office, Margaret Jones, told JIS News that the Christmas treat was the first for the Falmouth port, which was officially opened this year, but was in keeping with a programme already in place for some 15 years at the Ocho Rios and Montego Bay piers.

 “This is certainly a fantastic day here in Falmouth … as it is a first for this port and we are only too happy to be a part of this team of persons, who have worked to make this a success.  These children have been chosen at random in their respective schools and we hope to be engaged in doing this every year as we reach out to our children, giving them some cheer throughout the year,” Ms. Jones told JIS News.

Human Resource Specialist for Oasis of the Seas, Stelian Radu, who was instrumental in sourcing all the gift packages for the event, said that he was excited by the children’s warmth and the “sparkle in their eyes as they received the toys and other gifts”.

“I am very happy for today, which is a beautiful day for the kids.  I would like to thank all our partners from the shore side as well as those partners and main organisers from the ship side and we are looking forward for this to happen next year,” Mr. Radu told JIS News.

By Glenis Rose, JIS Reporter