The children admitted at the Colonial War Memorial hos­pital were thrilled by the visit of the U.S. Coast Guard Cut­ter Mellon crew that turned up to meet them.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mel­lon arrived in the country on Tues­day. and visited the Children’s Ward yesterday.

The crew read stories to the chil­dren and cleaned the park behind the Children’s ward

Inoke Cakausisi said she was glad to see her niece happy.

“My nephew was in pain last night (Wednesday) but today (Thursday) I am happy because I saw him smiling when one crew member was reading to him,” said Ms Cakausisi.

“I am glad that they were allowed to come and be with the children. Even if it was just for a short of time, we were happy that they made our children smile and laugh despite feeling pain.”

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mellon officer, seaman Melissa Ball said she was happy to be part of the visit.

“It feels good to read to the chil­dren and I am glad to be here. It is a short visit but I hope to one day come back,” seaman Ball said.

“I am loving the weather here and Fiji is a beautiful place. I will cherish the experience I gained while here.”

22 officers were at the Children’s Ward out of which , some 10 offic­ers cleaned the ward while others kept the young patients enter­tained.

The officers srubbed the outside of the Ward and cleaned the car park.

They are leaving the country to­day.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj