Old Harbour’s most vulnerable receives COVID-19 care packages

The care packages were made possible by the Chinese community in Old Harbour and in particular representatives of Chung Phat Supermarket located in the centre of the town.

More than 150 persons benefited from the initiative said chief organizer DSP Damion Manderson, commander in charge of the police sub-division of Old Harbour.

“The bottom line is this whole COVID-19 pandemic would have been impacting a host of persons,” DSP Manderson told Old Harbour News. “But there are just some individuals who really have it rough. When we go out there on patrol we see them… there are real needs. Some of them are willing to talk to you about it, others are not so open. You see the needs and they are there. And so we thought that let us reach out to these individuals through this medium.”

The initiative, according to DSP Manderson, is gathering momentum already, as local businesses, private and civic groups such as the Old Harbour Glades Citizens Association and Food for the Poor have expressed a willingness to come on board.

“The humanity in us would only beg for us to do something for those individuals who are not pensioners and neither do they have bank accounts or savings,” he added.

“One lady said to my officer ‘beg you something, just give me anything. If I can get two pounds of flour to put with the little butter that I have at home that would be good for me’. It speaks something to us that there are persons in need, and so the whole idea of the initiative is to reach some of these individuals or as much as we possibly can with the help of the business and citizenry of Old Harbour.”

Anna Kay Hines is the president of Old Harbour Police Youth Club. Given her position, she plays a key role, ensuring that every package is properly sorted and delivered to the intended individuals.

“It was a pleasure to serve those less fortunate among us and while I know it made a difference there are still many more persons in need. I hope others who are able will step up and provide what could be lifesaving assistance in these dark times,” said Hines while expressing gratitude to all members of the team.

Persons willing to contribute to the initiative can do so by taking items to the Old Harbour Police Station where PYC representatives undertake the whole logistics of the programme.