A CHRISTMAS OF CHOICE: PARK MOUNTAIN CHILDREN CELEBRATES “BUYING POWER” AT THE JCF CARE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
They brought no magical sleigh or reindeer, but the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), through its CARE Initiative Christmas village, brought a festive spirit that delivered bright smiles, good cheer and a renewed sense of independence to Park Mountain in St Elizabeth. The star of the second staging of this give-back venture was the faux bank notes, the JCF Bucks.
Birthed out of the need to provide a little more than the usual packages, the JCF currency is a creative, transformative approach which gave the children a renewed sense of independence.
Many persons and organisations have ventured to the worst affected parishes after the passing of Hurricane Melissa over a month ago. Each with its own strategy to help those in need, most providing what they believed was needed in these trying times. The Park Mountain Christmas village provided a little more; it gave each child the gift of choice. Each child was issued with $8500 JCF Bucks that could be spent however they liked. For the children of this small district, many of whom rarely get the opportunity to select and purchase anything important on their own, the concept was simply amazing.
Shopping started the very minute the village opened. Children with crisp JCF bills in hand travelled from booth to booth with a seriousness that amused the adults around them.
They meticulously inspected clothing, compared dining alternatives, and debated whether to save money for later or spend it all at once. Some held hands with their siblings and friends as they planned their next buy. Others went about proudly, as if the village were their own small town, with them as its newest members of the working class.
One of the most touching moments of the day came from 9-year-old Kairique Honeyghan, a member of the Santa Cruz Police Youth Club, who had his eyes set on a pair of brown shoes from the moment he stepped into the Village. He withdrew his money from the bank and counted it multiple times before he made his way to the boutique to make his purchase. When he handed his money to the salesperson and received the shoes, he beamed with pride. Swinging the laces around his neck, he proudly announced, “I am wearing these to church next week.” He walked around, showing them off to everyone in sight—officers, other children, and community members who were standing near the tent. His excitement was more than just getting a new pair of shoes. It was the pride of selecting and purchasing them himself, making his own decision, and bringing home something he truly wanted.
It wasn’t just the shopping that excited the children. The JCF Bank, one of the Village’s most inventive part, immediately established itself as its own attraction. Children and adults invaded the tiny, improvised institution in jubilant waves. Officers acted as ‘bank tellers,’ issuing money, replacing ripped banknotes, breaking larger notes into smaller ones, and assisting interested young customers with their transactions.
Some children made multiple trips simply because they enjoyed saying the words, “Mi a go a di bank.” Others needed change so they could buy extra food or make additional stops at the bounce house. Several returned with leftover money at the end of the day to deposit, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and pride no one expected, but they all admired.
The JCF CARE Christmas Village provided more than just a treat. It represented empowerment and dignity, the unusual gift of independence at Christmas. This was far more meaningful than handing them gifts or packages. Wrapped gifts have always brought joy to countless children; however, on this particular day, the Park Mountain children had a unique experience. They experienced ownership.
By the end of the day, the Village had transformed into a vibrant mix of laughter, proud little shoppers and a community brimming with holiday cheer. As the event drew to a close, it was evident that the JCF CARE Christmas Village had done more than just spread joy. It had given the children of Park Mountain something they would remember long after the Christmas spirit is gone, confidence, independence, and the incomparable delight of spending “their own” money.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to those who partnered to make this initiative a reality. It is also hoped that hearts will be moved to support this meaningful effort as we work to restore hope and empower communities. 
