National Community Policing Unit Issues Xmas Gifts to Children
Christmas came early this year for approximately a hundred and twenty-five primary school children from Belize City and neighbouring villages in the Belize District, when they were handed gifts at the Yarborough Multipurpose Complex. It was a festive occasion, as there were performances from the Police Cadet marching band and Santa Clause himself was there to issue the gifts on behalf of the Belize Police Department. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Their faces lit up as Santa Clause entered the Yarborough Multipurpose Complex in Belize City. Gifts and apples were there for all one hundred plus primary school students who were in attendance, as the National Community Policing Unit carried out its initiative to bring joy to these children. It’s part of a strategy to reach as many young people as possible.
ACP Howell Gillett, Commander, Community Policing Unit, Belize Police Department
ACP Howell Gillett
“We’ve selectively chosen them. We know that COVID has hit us hard; we also know that Hurricane Lisa was hard on us so we went into those areas and hand selected the kids who are here today. It is a pity that we couldn’t reach all the kids that were affected, but we believe that Christmas is not only for a few people; it is for everyone. The kids are from the neighbouring villages to Belize City like Hattieville, Mahogany Heights, Ladyville, Biscayne and also kids from the south side of Belize City. So purposely we are doing this and we have our cadet band that is here ready to play some Christmas songs.”
Partnering with the unit this year was the British High Commission. Deputy High Commissioner Kate Reynolds says that this Christmas activity is special for the children in the communities in which the police serve.
Kate Reynolds
Kate Reynolds, Deputy British High Commissioner
“We were approached if we would like to help. At the High Commission we’ve been out buying some gifts, we had some fun wrapping those and be able to give those back to the children. We’ve been able to donate some money, buy some gifts and give those. It is so lovely to be able to come and be part of this today.”
Taiwanese Ambassador David Kuan-Chou Chien says that Belize has always been an ally and partner and the relations between both countries include economic development and education. So it was no hesitation to support in this community policing initiative.
David Kuan-Chou Chien, Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize
David Kuan-Chou Chien
“Christmas is the season of peace, love and appreciation. It is also a time of giving and gratitude. Taiwan is the trustworthy ally of Belize and the children are the hope of our future. And so we are very grateful to participate in this very meaningful event. And we also hope that our small sponsorship and small donation could make a big difference for the children of Belize City especially in the wake of Hurricane Lisa. And also I would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the government and the people of Belize for their long-lasting and outstanding support for Taiwan.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
