BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR what can be termed traditional, members of the Tabernacle Police Station will be hosting its fifth annual Christmas Party for residents of that community.
According to Sergeant Charles Smitten, the party will be held tomorrow (Dec. 27) and is a collaborative effort by members of the Police Force and Fire Service based at Tabernacle in the same building.
He said the event involves the entire community and over the years they have been receiving significant support from RAMS Trading Company Limited, as well as other business places and individuals within the community.
“Every year we have this party and we involve the members of the community in an attempt at strengthening the relationship between us and the community, because it is with a better relationship that we can truly achieve success,” he said.
Smitten pointed out that the event would start at 5:00 p.m. with no cut off time being set and members of the community would help in preparing a variety of dishes while beverages would be supplied by the business community and a number of individuals.
“This event helps to demonstrate the true police/community relationship that exists here in Tabernacle. We want the public to know that the police’s role is not just to lock up persons but also to provide counselling, advice and to partake in social and other activities. It is only when this is achieved that the trust and confidence within the police is built by people in the community,” he said.
Constable Monique Norford, one of the key organisers, said she is very excited about the event, noting that while this would be the fifth staging of the party, the response has been very good and each year it gets bigger.
“I want to express thanks especially to RAMS Trading, particularly to Shawn Weston who has personally ensured that we got the assistance that we need to get it off the ground and continue for the past four years. Whatever we need, he ensures that we get it, and it is partners like RAMS that has helped in making this successful,” she said.
Constable Norford noted that the annual event has helped in building long lasting bonds and relationships among members of the community, Police Force and the Fire Service.
She further noted that the support and assistance provided by others have been invaluable.
“We would not have been able to have this had it not been for RAMS and others. As a matter of fact, every year coming up to the event RAMS would enquire from us as to what we need and they would continue to reaffirm their commitment to the event,” she added.
Meanwhile, Constable Connie Frazer said the support given by senior members of the Police Force, government and the general public is more worthy. She said government ministers, magistrates, lawyers, Defence Force personnel, the Commissioner of Police and members of neighbouring communities usually come out and interact with the children and adults in attendance.
“I am very pleased and impressed with the support that we get from the Commissioner and other senior police officers as well as a number of senior persons within society.
Their presence sends a very good message; in that despite differences, having fun, interacting with each other and partaking in food and drinks can create fruitful and rewarding relationships,” she stressed.
Frazer said everyone would be welcomed and she has extended an invitation to persons interested in supporting or contributing to the annual Christmas Party. She noted that between 400 and 500 people are expected to attend.
