Children interacting with Santa Claus View photo »

Last Wednesday December 7th, the technical staff of the Ministry of Tourism and the crew onboard the Norwegian Jewel took timeout to don their hats as Santa's helpers spreading Christmas cheer to the children of five charitable organizations.

Children from the Amazing Grace Foundation, the Good Shepard Home, the Sunshine Home for Girls, the Citizens Welfare Division, and the Barbuda Pentecostal Church, were the recipients of a total of some 200 gifts.

The gifts were distributed to the students after a brief ceremony during which Director of Marketing and Promotions Joyce Henry praised the FCCA for the initiative which spans some three years.

Also on hand to speak on behalf of the charitable organizations which fall under his Ministry was Minister of Social Transformation, The Hon. Hilson Baptiste who took time out of his busy parliamentary schedule to thank the organizers most particularly the FCCA for the gesture.

Minister Baptiste reported that Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer saw the occasion as being most worthy of national attention and as such sent his sentiments of gratitude on behalf of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Karen Maybury, Chief Organizer and FCCA Representative spoke on behalf of the organization, by relaying that it was all worth it to see the smiles on the faces of the children and to know that you (and your organization) are the cause of that smile.

The children, who sang carols and interacted with Santa Claus, were also treated to a dynamic performance by a juggler (crew member on board the Norwegian Jewel).

For further information contact:

Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

Contacts:

773-1788 (cell) 462-0480 (office) 460-6093 (fax)

Email: samoya.kirby@antigua.gov.ag