While the recent teachers strike cost public school students three weeks of instruction, the job action may also threaten the traditional Children’s Parade during the 2000-2001 Crucian Christmas Festival.
The parade, scheduled for Jan. 5, features youngsters from public and private schools who are prepared by their teachers, Vera Falu, president of the Festival’s organizing committee, told WSTX radio. With the strike and the subsequent "state of flux" in the classroom, Falu said she is concerned that the parade may not go on.
"I haven’t heard from teachers," she said. "The Children’s Parade is always the different schools, both private and public. I am very, very concerned this year children won’t be able to display their talents."
Considering the strike and the overall stress due to the island’s economic problems, Falu said the Festival will provide an outlet for residents. The Festival Committee, however, is stressing a little itself.
"We need more money," Falu said, adding that she will request that the Legislature release $150,000 for the St. Croix Festival when she appears before the Senate Finance Committee next week.
In the meantime, Falu said parents should contact their children’s teachers to lend a hand in preparing kids for the parade.
"Parents should work with teachers," she said. "I don’t think it would be fair to the children after losing so many days of school to lose the parade."
Crucian Christmas Festival 2000-2001
Dec. 2, 2000 – Booklet sales start
Dec. 9 – Queen show at the Educational Complex
Dec. 15 – Quadrille
Dec. 17 – Prince and Princess at the Educational Complex
Dec. 22 – Food Fair
Dec. 26 – Festival Village opens
Dec. 27 – Panorama Showcase
Dec. 28 – Quelbe Tramp
Dec. 29 – Calypso King eliminations
Dec. 30 – Latin Night and competition
JANUARY 2001
Jan. 1, 2001 – Breakfast of local foods, King and Queen of the Bands (8 p.m.)
Jan. 2 – Culture Night in the Village
Jan. 3 – Final Calypso Competition
Jan. 4 – J’Ouvert (4 a.m.)
Jan. 5 – Children’s Parade
Jan. 6 – Adult Parade/Three King’s Day