Photos: Police Serve Lunch At Nursing Home
Officers from the Bermuda Police Service Serious Crime Unit converged on the Francis Telford Nursing Home in Paget last week Wednesday [Dec 17], carrying gifts and food made for the seniors’ lunch.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police James Howard said, “I’m with the Serious Crime Unit here at the Francis Telford Nursing Home and for a few years now one of our support staff, Ms. Monique Heyliger, has assisted in organizing, and actually has been the catalyst in organizing that this particular unit does something around this time, giving back to community.”
“The Bermuda Police Service on a whole try to pick a charity where we can find funds and to assist charities that are in need of assistance but this unit in particular, the Serious Crime Unit, always identifies whether it be a rest home, a nursing home, or some facility that could use some assistance and to bring cheer and joy into the lives of people.
“This year it just happens to be the Francis Telford Nursing Home.”
Chief Inspector Na’imah Astwood said, “Today we have approximately 20 officers and support staff that have come and we all donated money.
“Inspector Dave Greenidge has cooked some food, as well as Oneika Donawa, and the extra money we collected we put towards a hamper and, lucky for us, we have two ladies here who have actually turned 100, so we have extra presents for them as well.”
“We do this not because we feel we are obligated to do it, we do it because these are pillars of our community and we have to reach out and give back to our community and it’s also a good time for us to just reflect and reflect on others and give goodwill.
“This is a really good time for us, not just to come and say thank you, but actually to stay here for a protracted period, to actually engage with the persons here, and get to know them on a one and one basis.
“We actually get to know some very historical stories that we would have otherwise not known unless we engaged with the ladies here.”
“They have spoken with us and they are really happy, they are really engaging, because in people’s busy lives, sometimes people don’t have time to always come to the rest homes so we are glad to come and put smiles on their faces today.”
Asked what was on the menu, Chief Inspector Astwood said, “We had chicken, we had macaroni, an array of vegetables, and we started with pea and potato soup.
“For dessert we have rainbow Jello; in fact, one of the ladies was upset because we were taking too long to come to give it to her. We also have an assortment of cookies and some drink. It’s been a wonderful day, it’s been good weather and this is something we want do on an annual basis to give back to community.”
Mr. Howard added, “Again, this is the Serious Crime Unit – you know what it is they actually deal with – so as Chief Inspector Astwood said, it is a time to sort of relax, reflect and give back to the community, especially the ladies here.
“They all seem to be enjoying it and when me finish here this afternoon, we will be back doing what we do best.”
Home operator Dr. Carlton Crockwell said, “Today, the police have come down to support the Francis Telford Nursing Home and to have lunch with the residents, to help feed them and to give gifts to them, and we are very appreciative for what they have done.
“We have eleven seniors here. Our home only caters to women, it’s been like that for last eight to nine years, and it’s going to remain that way.”
“We have two people who are over 100, and others who are in their late 80s and 90s, and they are outstanding. They remember things of years ago, before I was even thought of. Mrs. Wainwright and the other ladies talk about history, so if you ever want a history lesson about Bermuda, come and talk to them.
“My mom owned the home. She had been running homes for 25 years, that was her passion. She died 10 years ago and the rest home was closed.
“The staff asked if I would consider re-opening, which I did and two years later. I named it the Francis Telford Nursing Home, after my mom. It was an honour to name the home after my mom.”
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Well done fella’s.
God bless.