May 16, 2007 — Claude O. Markoe Elementary School primary students got treated as royalty during a one-day visit to St. Thomas aboard the V.I. SeaTrans ferry Little Miss Belmar on May 4.
The 116 students, accompanied by 40 parent and faculty chaperones, rode 10 safari buses through the V.I. capital, escorted by police patrol, according to a news release from the school.
"The officers pulled traffic aside to give the young ambassadors the red-carpet treatment as their safari buses maneuvered through the busy streets on the way to the island's popular attractions," said Assistant Principal Faith Dane George, who coordinated the trip along with first-grade teacher Orlene Simon.
The activity was a part of building better futures for all children, the theme for the observance of the 2007 Week of the Young Child.
The primary graders and chaperones made a visit to the Joseph Gomez Elementary School, where they had lunch with their peers and exchanged pleasantries and gifts. Other highlights of the trip included stops at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Building, where they were greeted by Sens. Liston Davis, Juan Figueroa-Seville and Shawn-Michael Malone, and afforded an opportunity to view the mural adorning the walls by St. Croix's own El-Roy Simmonds; visits to Coral World Marine Park and Underwater Observatory; Tutu Park Mall, where they compared prices and merchandise with those of St. Croix's; Drake's Seat, for a smashing view of the mile-long Magens Bay, one of the best beaches in the world; Julian Jackson Drive for the world-famous, breathtaking view of Charlotte Amalie and harbor; and other tourist attractions.
For helping promote the importance of a child's early experiences, George gave special commendations to Diamonds International and Jewels, stores on Main Street for providing gifts to the students, V.I. SeaTrans, "The Real Deal" Taxi and Tour group and to the Police Department.
"The cooperation and professionalism displayed by the police officers was appreciated," she said. "The escort service was of the highest quality."
