Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Corporal Andrew Matherson (second left), attached to the St. James Police Division, speaks with youngsters about the dangers strangers could pose in any circumstance while Sergeant Liz Reid, of the Road Safety Unit in St. James, looks on during a one-day back-to-school book fair at the Success Primary School in St. James last Thursday. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

More than 300 adults and children from com-munities in east central St. James participated in a back-to-school book and health fair last Thursday.

Primarily, all the children received free dental examinations, teeth cleaning and educational talks from representatives of various agencies across St. James, including the police, the Type Five health centre, the financial sector, as well as the National Solid Waste Authority (NSWMA).

Sponsor of the event, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), said its objective was to assist and facilitate parents in preparing their children to return to school.

First staging

"This is the first time that we are holding this event in Montego Bay and we intend to make it annually," said Sandra Miller-Hall, community development officer for St. James.

According to Mrs. Miller-Hall, the UDC has scheduled a free health fair to benefit residents of Lilliput and its environs on November 27. "We are also encouraging people to come and donate blood on the day," she added. The fair will be held at the Lilliput New Testament Church of God.

Vice-Principal of the Success Primary School, Sharon Morris-Gardener, described yesterday's fair as 'a good move', adding: "I think the parents have gained additional information on different matters, while the children gained first hand knowledge on road safety and the 'Stranger Danger' discussion held by the police, HIV and how to care for their teeth, which forms part of the curriculum."

Enlightening the children

The Success Primary School is now in its third year of existence, with 900 pupils enrolled and has a compliment of 22 teachers.

Sergeant Liz Reid, attached to the Road Safety Unit, and her colleague detective Corporal Andrew Matherson, of the St. James Police Division, held talks with young children, enlightening them on various matters as they relate to using the roads safely and the unexpected dangers that could be experienced by strangers.