The traditional annual Police Week Senior Citizens Luncheon has been replaced this year by the distribution of one hundred gift packages, dubbed “Care Baskets”. On Thursday, January 28th, the baskets were distributed to island’s seniors who are over seventy.
In past years, the elderly were invited at The Valley Police Station’s recreational gallery where a sumptious lunch would be served amidst a backdrop of “oldie-goldie” music to which the old folk would enjoy themselves by singing, dancing and generating laughter.
The luncheon was always an opportunity for the senior citizens to socialize with friends and acquaintances whom they might not have seen for quite some time. This year, however, due to the onset of COVID-19, they were presented with“Care Baskets” instead.
Customarily, the main organizer of this Police Week feature was PC37 Sherrie Brooks. She had a brief conversation with The Anguillian: “This year is surely different to past years,” she said. “Seeing there is the COVID-19 pandemic, and we don’t want to run the risk of endangering any of our seniors. We have therefore decided to come together and provide as many of our elderly folks as we can with ‘Care Baskets’. In the baskets are hand sanitisers, soaps, powder, toiletries, snacks, lotions, deodorants, drinks, cider, etc.”
Asked what message she would like to convey to the elderly this year, Ms. Brooks responded: “I want to thank God that we have been spared from the ill effects of this worldwide pandemic. I want to join with the seniors to say ‘Praise God’. I want to wish all of our seniors all the best. I trust that they would stay safe and do what they have to do to avoid any infections by following the necessary regulations and practicing healthy hygiene. I hope to see them next year if conditions return to normal because I sure miss them gathering for lunch, dancing, and singing.”
Ms. Brooks thanked her fellow organizers who have worked with her diligently to fill and arrange the baskets: “I wish to thank my fellow police officers like Petra Connor, Ronnie Fleming, Janicia Herbert, Randolph Yearwood and Derrick Griffith,” she stated.
She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faithful sponsors which included: DLG Enginerring, Jard Holdings, Ltd., Beauty Mark, Fashion Junky, Paramount Pharmacy, Syd & Petes, Mingz, The Big Store, Lake’s World, Best Buy, Bon Fenesse, and Tropical Distributors.
Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
