Children enjoy Mayor of St Ann's Bay's Christmas treat

ST ANN'S BAY, St Ann:

Against the backdrop of a statue of Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Garvey, children from St Ann's Bay and surrounding communities gathered on the premises of the St Ann Parish Library to enjoy the festivities as Mayor Desmond Gilmore hosted his annual Mayor's Treat on Monday.

Postponed from last Friday because of inclement weather, the treat was nonetheless well received by scores of children, and adults too, who accompanied them.

The children were treated to toys, snacks and rides, and also took part in games to win prizes. Several of them also got the opportunity to perform onstage.

The event was supported by several staff members at the council who assisted in serving the kids.

Mayor Gilmore took the opportunity to mingle with the crowd and expressed appreciation to the sponsors of the annual event.

"It's a pleasure being able to do this again for the children, recognising that many of them probably would not get a toy for the holidays and will not get another chance like this to be out for the day or the afternoon enjoying themselves," Gilmore told Rural Xpress.

"It is good that we can still do this and I want to use the opportunity to say thanks to all the sponsors who have helped, those who have come on board, whether with toys, with refreshments, with the rides and so on, the tents, the music, everything. We really appreciate their support."

Farrah Blake, social relations manager at Bahia Principe Hotel, one of the sponsors, said that the hotel was happy to be part of initiatives like the treat that aid community development.

rural@gleanerjm.com