Aug. 7, 2003 – St. John residents' idea of a "Night Out Against Crime" was mixing and mingling in Cruz Bay Park on Thursday evening while enjoying free hot dogs and snacks.
"We're here for the cotton candy," Crystal Daly said, clarifying that it's her son, Jahmari, 5, who likes the sweet confection, not her.
La'Neisha Abraham and Gemma Ashly, both 15, were on hand to staff the prize table. "I'm glad we're doing this to stop crime," Gemma said. La'Neisha added that crime shouldn't happen in such a peaceful place as St. John.
However, the island is not crime free, observed St. John resident Aldria Wade, who was on hand to represent Delegate Donna M. Christensen. Wade called on her fellow residents to keep watch on their neighbors' homes to help stop crime.
As the crowd listened to music, waited to hear whose names would be called in the raffle drawings and got up to dance, police officers were circulating to get their message out.
It's important for the police to get out and meet people in the community, Officer Bridget Conow said. "We need your help. We can't solve crimes on our own," she said before rushing off to get her picture taken with a group of young people.
Several local organizations also took advantage of the "Night Out" gathering to get their messages out. Judith Plair, a nurse at Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, passed out flyers announcing the clinic's free immunization days this month.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, staff at the Myrah Keating Smith center will provide all the usual back-to-school shots for kids at no charge. On Aug. 15, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., adults can get free tetanus shots at the Morris de Castro Clinic.
The St. John Community Foundation organized Thursday night's event.
"Night Out Against Crime" is observed in more than 9,850 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and U.S. military bases. Over 53 million people are expected to participate this year.
The event's purpose is to heighten awareness about drug, crime and violence prevention; generate participation in and support for local anti-crime efforts; strengthen relations among businesses, police and the community; and let criminals know that crime and drugs will not be tolerated in the participating communities.
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