Tax collectors show generosity at Christmas
On Wednesday it was the Customs Department that sponsored a kids Christmas party; today it’s those friendly folks at Income Tax. We don’t know what’s gotten into these usually scrooge-like public servants, but Marion Ali reports on the fun.
Marion Ali, Reporting
They’re popular around town for their talent in the television drama series “Noh Matta Wat” but today four of those local stars spent time spreading Christmas cheer at one of Belize City’s oldest schools. Under an initiation by employees of the Income Tax Department, the actors visited the Queen Street Baptist Primary to partake in a Christmas party. Principal of the school, Herman Lambey, says the gesture was a welcomed one since many of the children come from poorer backgrounds.
Herman Lambey, Principal, Queen Street Baptist
“Some of them come from really lower bracket, most of them anyway. So it’s a great help. Also they have different parties that they are attending this year, Salvation Army, the Red Cross, so all these things help to bring a Merry Christmas to them because many of their parents will not be able to give them the gifts that they are gonna get today.”
The party was spearheaded by Income Tax Inspector, Annisa Perdomo. She says this is the second time that the department is conducting such an event.
Annisa Perdomo, Inspector, Income Tax Department
“The staff came together and we decided that we wanted to do something for the Christmas and host a party for the children here.”
Marion Ali
“Why do you do it? What kind of gratification does it give you?”
Annisa Perdomo
“I guess for public officers you know, we are always probably not in good light with the public so this is something good for public officers and it’s a good effort for us so we’re going to continue doing this every year.”
The children were entertained by Ozzie the Clown, also a character on “Noh Matta Wat”; and received food, drinks, and gifts from the staff of the Income Tax Department. It’s something that students like Queen Castillo and Sherounda Ramirez really appreciated.
Queen Castillo, Std. Six Student, Queen Street Baptist
“All the children are happy to see the clown doing their stuff.”
Marion Ali
“Normally you’d be in a class maybe getting a test right?”
Queen Castillo
“Yes, and that’s a headache when you do lotta work in class. Thank you for doing all of this for us.”
Sherounda Ramirez, Std Six Student, Queen Street Baptist
“We feel excited cause everyone is enjoying themselves. So that’s that.”
Marion Ali
“The characters from Noh Matta Wat are also here. How you feel bout that?”
Sherounda Ramirez
“Very excited because first time I saw them in person.”
Marion Ali
“You watch Noh Matta Wat?”
Sherounda Ramirez
“Yes, every time after the news over, I always watch it.”
The four actors that helped in today’s Christmas party were Kent Clare, who plays the role of “Clifford”, and also works at the Income Tax Department, Carrie Fairweather, who acts as “Granny Tomasa”, Kerret Paulino better known as “Randy Diego”, and Javier Canul who acts as “Jack” and performed as “Ozzie” the clown today.
Kent Clare, Actor, “Noh Matta Wat”
“My son attends this school, Queen Street Baptist School, and I attended this primary school as well. The staff of Income Tax, as you might have heard, we try to do this Christmas Party every year for underprivileged kids. Last year we did it at Calvary Temple and we want to make this an annual thing.”
Carrie Fairweather, Actor, “Noh Matta Wat”
“It is my pleasure to be here and be a part of this especially since I am so into education. I believe deeply and sincerely in education and for me to be here is really my Christmas.”
“Maybe in the next episodes we can really address things pertaining to the children because it seems to me that they really look up to the show and to us.”
Javier Canul, Actor, “Noh Matta Wat”
“I consider myself very versatile because of the nature of my job as a paramedic as well, I can easily switch from doing something comical to getting serious on the job so to speak. So it just works out right for me when it comes to “Jack” on “Noh Matta Wat”.”
The tax collectors raised the money for the party and gifts themselves on their own time.
Marion Ali for News Five.
Established in 1828, Queen Street Baptist has been described as the first primary school to allow black children in its classrooms. It currently has an enrolment of three hundred and twenty-five students and twelve teachers.
