Woodlands community comes together for a vibrant peace festival

The Lentegeur community police forum's (CPF) sector four sub-forum hosted a peace festival at Woodville Primary in Woodlands on Saturday, July 12.

The initiative, hosted in collaboration with Lentegeur police, was well supported by the ward councillor Joan Woodman, other political parties, community based organisations and residents from various Mitchell's Plain communities.

The festival included a host of fun activities and entertainment for young and old, including netball and soccer matches, food stalls, book readings, jumping castles and musical performances by local artists.

Lentegeur police chief, Colonel Umavathie Rameshwarnath, engaged the community and shared a message of hope with the local youth.

Raafiqah Ganger, Lentegeur CPF sector four sub-forum chairperson, said the festival is one of many future events to restore peace and joy in the community

"The scourge of gangsterism and drugs in Mitchell's Plain is getting out of hand. This had to be our June 16th function, but as Allah/God put it out, it falls in place with all the peace activities that are happening. 

"We organised the peace festival because we want to bring fun and laughter back into our communities. We don't want to lose our children to drugs and gangsterism anymore," she said. 

Ms Ganger called on the community to unite and work towards a peaceful Woodlands.

"Whether you are on the wrong or right path of the fence, we can come together because we want the best for our children, our elderly and the broader community," she said.

Ms Ganger also thanked the relevant stakeholders, including the sector four sub-forum executive, the Lentegeur CPF and Lentegeur police, local sponsors, political parties and Classicman for their meaningful role in making the event a success.

Sergeant Gershon Jacobs, Lentegeur police's sector four commander said the festival provided a platform for youths in the area to showcase their talent, be empowered and connect with community leaders.

He said the festival is also a positive community engagement between the police and residents.

"The police cannot do without the community, and the community cannot do without the police as well. Through this event, we are building stronger relations with the community, and letting the kids know that there is a better life than the one they are experiencing right now.

"This is a chance for kids to meet good role models, community leaders they may not have met before and connect through good vibes and positive institutions in and outside the area," he said.