Santa Claus pays a visit to Christ Church

By Michron Robinson

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas parties have been making a resurgence. Last Saturday, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams held one for the children in the Christ Church East Constituency, as was done annually prior to the pandemic.

Abrahams told Barbados TODAY that the true meaning for Christmas is in giving and he was only happy to be a part of that process for the little ones. “Christmas is all about the children. Even when things are difficult, it is still necessary that the little ones get to feel good about Christmas. It’s about the good feeling, remembering Christmas,” he said, as little ones lined up behind him to enter the jumping tents.

Speaking from his Hopewell Christ Church base, Abrahams added that he was simply happy to put on the annual party just for the sake of the kids. “Once we are in a position, we always have a Christmas party. We didn’t have it for the last two years because of COVID-19, but I am very glad that we can put it on this year. As you can see, a whole ton of children came out and they are having a really good time running around and enjoying themselves and I feel good,” he added. 

Some constituents who came out to the party, like Charmaine Kirton from Fairy Valley, said that she was pleased with the turnout. “It was nice and very lovely. The children came out and enjoyed themselves. The point was for the children to enjoy themselves and they did,” she added.

Veradene Jacobs told Barbados TODAY that she loves how the party was executed. “It was a wonderful turnout. Everyone was happy and I think it was a wonderful initiative despite everything that is happening,” she explained. “The minister really came out for the community and the children had a blast. They had fun,” the Silver Sands resident said.

Jacobs added that Minister Abrahams is a “real community person” and she is very pleased with his work. “To be honest, I’ve never really followed politics, but I’ve done it because of Mr Abrahams. He is a wonderful person because of his personality and because he comes out to the houses and the children love him. I chose to come out,” she said. 

The evening included face painting and gift giving from “Santa Claus” with many families exchanging hugs with the Minister and his wife Natalie along with other members of his team. (MR)