Dec. 19, 2007 — "I never imagined I would be able to see a parade while a patient at the hospital," Noemi Cotto said. "I'm so happy they made this possible."
Patients and employees at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital got a dose of holiday cheer at a Christmas festival parade Wednesday. Troupes showed off new costumes and the new King and Queen for Festival 2007 spread cheer.
Rupshun Band provided the music for the parade, setting the festival mood and getting people moving. The viewers were protected in the shade of the canopy of the patient loading and unloading area.
The beautiful colors of Caribbean flowers were evident in the costumes worn by the St. Croix Educational Complex Troupe. One student was attired in bright yellow, looking just like Ginger Thomas with yellow silk flowers attached. Another girl wore red and green with red, silk hibiscus flowers. One was gaily dressed in colorful feathers, portraying a tropical bird.
The Juan F. Luis employee troupe was dressed modestly with sequined and beaded costumes provided by J and J Fun Troupe Costumes.
"Festival is in our blood," said Beverly Awong, a hospital employee. "It runs through the veins."
Numerous employees got into the spirit of the festival wearing sequined masks, corsages and Santa hats.
"This is Juan Luis Hospital at its best," said Ruth Lynch, president of Juan F. Luis Hospital in Action Committee, as she danced along with the troupes.
Riding in hospital security golf carts were Akeem Johnson, festival king; Shantall Harrigan, festival queen; and little Bryanna Almestica, festival duchess. The duchess was later seen dressed like a miniature Chiquita banana lady with plastic fruit on a headscarf and madras dress.
Shakyma Mercado, third runner up for Miss St. Croix, danced along dressed as a palm tree. Her headpiece was made of palm fronds, and her skirt was the trunk of a palm with a Cruzan Rum bottle on it.
Rigidims Troupe had representatives, as did Hovensa, Central High School and Lockhart and Associates.
Trophies were awarded to the best troupes, based on the loudest applause and cheers.
First place went to Glory Vee Kreiger, a hospital finance department employee, as an individual entry. Kreiger cavorted comically, dressed with heavy padding on her rear end, a wig, mismatched socks and a gold glitter top hat.
Entertainment went on inside the hospital, as well, with eight students from Arthur Richards Junior High Steel Pan Band playing for patients who couldn't get outside.
Pearl B. Larsen students in fourth through sixth grade sang carols. Singing carols and presenting gifts to children in pediatrics were 16 students from the Central High School National Honor Society. The junior calypso queen, Chantal Barnes, sang for employees and patients. Also performing was the St. Croix Educational Complex Quelbe band.
"I first thought of doing this festival when I started working for the hospital two months ago," said Rashidi Clenence, public relations officer for the hospital. "I got this together about two weeks ago, and I'm pleased with the results."
Clenence passed around a bucket for donations for the Cardiac Care Center. Clenance also announced the unveiling of the Hope Heart bracelet drive, which will benefit the V.I. Medical Institute. The institute is a non-profit quality-improvement organization that works with all aspects of the health-care system.
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