With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, the Chinese New Year Party for Inmates is once again jointly held by the Correctional Services Bureau and Caritas Macau during 22 to 25 January at Coloane Prison. Inmates are arranged to attend the party in groups, and the aim of the party is to enable inmates to experience the love and support from society amid the festive atmosphere. 

 

Representatives from multiple government departments and social service organizations attended the first session of the party on 22 January morning, and the eye-dotting ceremony was jointly officiated by the Director General of the Macao Customs Vong Man Chong, the President of the Court of Second Instance Tong Hio Fong, the Chief of Office of the Prosecutor General Tam Peng Tong, the Secretary General of Caritas Macau Pun Chi Meng and the Director of the Correctional Services Bureau Cheng Fong Meng. As the lion danced against the rhythms of the gongs and drums, the first session of the Chinese New Year Party officially started. The performances in the party – including a Chinese New Year celebratory play, a Peking opera song performance, a Tai Chi fan demonstration, a women’s table tapping dance and a performance of self-composed songs – were all prepared by the performing inmates themselves. The wonderful performances garnered rounds and rounds of applause from the audience. The first session of the party came to a successful conclusion amid the happiness of the guests and the inmates.

 

Through the party, the Correctional Services Bureau hoped to enable inmates to feel the warm and festive atmosphere, enrich their life in the Prison and alleviate their homesickness. The party was also expected to serve as a platform for inmates to showcase talents so that their confidence and determination of turning over a new leaf could be strengthened. The Correctional Services Bureau would like to thank Caritas Macau for their continued support to our correctional services over the years and the festive food they provided for the event, which allowed the inmates to experience the love and care from society.

 

Other guests of the event included: Director of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao Kok Fong Mei, Director of the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macao Wong Chi Fai, Director of the Financial Intelligence Office Chu Un I, members of the Security Forces and Departments Discipline Supervision Committee, as well as representatives from non-profit associations, organizations and charities.

 

Officiating guests open the party by dotting the eye of the dancing lion 


A lion dance celebrating the Chinese New Year 


A dynamic table tapping dance by female inmates 


Male inmates’ Tai Chi fan demonstration that combines strength and softness 



Performing inmates thank the guests for their attendance and support