By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

A grand event of 'good ribs for a great cause' was held this past weekend, at the "Protect The Protectors Rib-fest" on Saturday hosted by the Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise (RCGBS) at the Seahorse Plaza.

Supporters gathered to help raise funds for protective vests for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, culminating the first Annual Police Apprecia-tion Week.

Committee member, James Sarles said that the theme:

"Protect the Protectors" was important because police protect the community and they have nothing to protect themselves.

Sarles added that they had exceeded their goal of 75 vests and now have enough funds for 100 vests, an accomplishment he said the Grand Bahama Community should be proud of.

" We have surpassed our expectations and hopefully we will be able to raise more funds for more vests" said Sarles.

He added that it was very important for police officers to have protection when faced with the challenge of crime in the streets. He reflected that earlier this year in New Providence, a police officer lost his life because he did not have a bullet proof vest.

"We saw a need and we wanted to meet that need, we have to protect those who protect us on a daily basis. Police officers have to be equipped with the right tools to do their job," said Sarles.

"We're all in this together for safety, it's not only their job. It's our job to work with them and create a safer society and it is also a chance for the police to come together to prevent crime."

The event started with an informational session for children, where they were educated on the dangers of drugs, violence in the community and the role of police officers and the service they provide.

There were also demonstrations from the Fire Division and the Traffic Division, Drug Enforcement, the dogs and the Royal Bahamas Police Band.

Sarles was also pleased by the overwhelming support of the community who willingly gave funds to the cause. Sarles noted that donations poured in after the rotary's request for assistance in its endeavour and corporate citizens jumped at the chance to donate.

Supporters came out in scores to enjoy the fun, food and entertainment. Kenton Thompson said that he was happy to contribute to something that will have a lasting affect on the community at large. "Imagine if one person is able to donate just one vest, think of how many officers we can protect in just a sort time, I think this an extraordinary thing to do," said Thompson.

" We cannot send officers to face criminals unprepared, that gives them a disadvantage and they put their lives at risk," said Kalya Peters an avid support of the event. She added that she was happy that an organization has stepped up to help those that need it the most.

"We appreciate the police and this an excellent opportunity to show the gratitude for everything they do," said Peters

Entertainment by The Royal Bahamas Police Band, Purple Thunder and a variety of others was enjoyed by all.

The RCGBS plans to establish more community based projects that will focus on crime, including a neighbourhood watch program to help in policing efforts.

Members of the rotary's committee who made "Protect The Protectors" a success include Rotary Club of G.B. President Tom Leeder, Ben Bell, Ivan Chestnut, John Markoulis, Eddie Wahn, Maitland Cates, Ricardo Murray and Don Churchill.