Police, Sandals Foundation, health department host summer camp for St Ann children
POLICE Sergeant Lorna West-Small from the Community, Safety and Security Branch of the St Ann Division was beaming with pride following the succesful staging of the 11th summer camp for children.
The summer camp, which is the brainchild of West-Small, attracted some 267 children at the event which was held from July 20 -24.
Sergeant West-Small, who had the full support of her colleagues and superiors, was able to bring happiness to the children with the assistance of 22 caregivers, teachers and guidance counsellors.
“The camp allowed the children to be given more exposure and boost their self-esteem. They were taken on several excursions including visits to the Police Commissioner’s Office, Office of the Prime Minister, Waterpark in Negril as well as other attractions,” West-Small said. “Mentorship with the police and good relationship building is vitally important and that is something we worked on also,” she added.
This year, West-Small wanted to offer more and requested the assistance of Sandals Foundation and the St Ann Health Department in hosting a health fair.
The health fair offered medical care for adults, children doing their back-to-school medical, HIV/AIDS testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks as well as dental work for children. National Insurance Scheme representatives were also on hand giving vital information to attendees. The children also enjoyed exciting rides and received school supplies.
Lyndsay Isaacs, representative from the Sandals Foundation said, “The highlight of the day, to our team from the Sandals Foundation, was to see one of our beloved Sesame Street characters, Abby Cadabby, trying to bring joy to little Leilini who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy”.
“Even though all the other children and adults wanted Abby’s attention, they all watched and waited until Abby was finished playing with her before they gathered for their hugs and pictures. The medical team was happy and willing to make a difference by providing their services.