BTB and FCCA Bring Holiday Cheer to Children with Gift-Giving Initiative

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in collaboration with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), hosted a special holiday event aimed at spreading Christmas cheer to children from Liberty Children’s Home and Central Assembly of God Primary School. According to Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise and Capacity Development at BTB, the initiative is part of a long-standing tradition by the FCCA, which has been carrying out similar events in Belize for over 20 years.

“This is the first one post-COVID,” Enriquez noted as he stressed the significance of the event’s return after the pandemic hiatus. He explained that the activity was designed to uplift the spirits of children from the two institutions. As part of the festivities, children received gifts from Santa, who arrived in Belize along with 17 crew members from the Sun Princess cruise ship.

Approximately 760 children were expected to receive gifts, though only 60 were able to attend the event in person due to various reasons.

Director Agatha Valentine of The Liberty Children’s Home says the event created a memorable holiday experience for its young residents. According to Valentine, coordination for the event required careful planning due to the fluctuating population of children at the facility. Children are often reunited with families or placed with foster families, making it necessary for Liberty staff and BTB personnel to maintain clear communication throughout the process.

Valentine described the children’s excitement upon learning about the outing, noting that Christmas is a particularly special time for them.

“They’re always excited about gifts. This is the best time of the year for them. The children have been looking forward to Christmas,” said Valentine. She said that the chance to leave the Liberty facility in Ladyville was also a rare treat, as most of their activities are limited to that area due to financial constraints.