BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CHRISTMAS is a time for giving, a time for sharing, a time for demonstrating one’s love for humanity, and that is what members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s Special Services Unit and the Drug Squad (commonly called the ‘A’ Team) did today (Dec. 20) for residents of the St. Christopher Children’s Home.
Led by Inspectors Adolph Adams and Travis Rogers, members of the ‘A’ Team this afternoon hosted a Christmas Luncheon for the children of that home at the Police Training Complex in Newtown, Basseterre.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Inspector Adams explained the genesis of the commendable gesture and how it was financed.
“This afternoon we are having a luncheon for the children who are residing at the St. Christopher Children’s Home. For the entire year, we the members of the SSU and the Drug Squad have been going out and doing a lot of hard work in the community. We have been fighting crime vigorously and members of the community have done a lot of great things for the police with regards to fighting crime and we felt that in this festive season, which is a time for giving, it is the right time to give back to the community. And one of groups within the community that came to mind was the youths. So we thought about the Children’s Home, persons who are less fortunate, and decided to do something for them.
“The event was financed by donations from members of the SSU and the Drug Squad, and we also received donations from some corporate citizens to make it the success that it is today.”
Adams declared that the day’s event is Phase One of the ‘A’ Team’s contribution to the children, noting that shortly before Christmas Day they would be visiting the Children’s Home “to donate gifts to the 17 kids residing there”.
“We want to make the event an annual one. We have started with the youths and next year we will move up to the elderly persons,” he added.
The Inspector claimed that the gesture is many-fold, pointing out that not only is it geared at sharing goodwill among men, women and children during the festive season, but also Community Engagement which is one of the Six-Point Plan initiated by the High Command of the Police Force.
Among those present at the Christmas Luncheon was Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, who briefly addressed the children and commended the organisers of the event.
“I want to commend those police officers for organising this special event for the children, and I hope that they had a lovely time. Their faces show some signs of satisfaction and, so again, I want to congratulate those who organised this event and to commend the police for this special outreach effort which we hope will become an annual event.
“I want to wish one and all, of course, happy Carnival and before that a happy Christmas and all the best for 2016.”
Following the Prime Minister’s remarks, Woman Superintendent Merclyn Hughes thanked him for gracing the event with his presence and called on the children to offer Christmas greeting to Dr. Harris.
The Superintendent’s invitation promoted much hilarity as three of the children (girls) eagerly reached for the microphone.
The first child boldly asked Dr. Harris, “When will I get my laptop?” which produced much laughter among the gathering, while the second one meekly said, “I wish you Prime Minister Harris a happy Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.”
Then it was the third child’s turn. No more than four feet in height, the petite lass approached the microphone with steady and nonchalant steps and boldly said: “When I went to school Dr. Douglas didn’t give me a laptop. I want my laptop to go on Facebook. Prime Minister Harris, when am I going to get my laptop?” More laughter!
In addition to the luncheon and interacting with the officers, the children were provided the opportunity to view a movie that suits their age groups – Peter Pan.
This publication spoke to one of the eight-year-old girls who expressed her appreciation for the gesture meted out to them by the officers.
“I wish if every day was like today. I enjoyed every moment of this day with the police and I wish if it could continue. We all be looking forward to the police coming to the Children’s Home and bringing the gifts that they promise to give us for Christmas. I love the police.”
