The Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station on Saturday held its annual Christmas party for children from the area, a tradition for the past five years.
Around 200 children were present at the fete which began at 3 pm and lasted until shortly after 5 pm. The party was a way of reaching out to younger citizens, particularly the needy ones, this newspaper was told.
Commander of ‘D’ Division, Paulette Morrison was present at the party. Children from the Jetty Squatting Area, New Road, Best, Crane, Pouderoyen and other areas converged on the barracks of the station and were fed, and given gift bags.
The initiative, which began five years ago, was supported by businessmen from the surrounding areas. Representatives of youth clubs attached to various police stations in the district were also present. According to an officer, it was a way of building a stronger relationship with the community.
He noted too that many of the children were poor, did not have parents or had only one parent and it was a way of making Christmas happier for them and ensuring that they got a gift. “We want them to know that the police are their friends”, the officer said.