Correctional Services Bureau Organizes Chinese New Year Party for Stress and Emotional Release of Inmates amid Festive Atmosphere (2021-01-18)
In light of the approaching Chinese New Year, the Correctional Services Bureau and Caritas Macau collaborated to organize at the Male Detention Zone of Coloane Prison a four-day Chinese New Year Party for Inmates starting 18 January. The aim of the Party was to allow the participating inmates – arranged to attend the Party group by group – to feel a festive atmosphere that would help release their stress and emotional distress caused by the reduced activities and visits amid the ongoing pandemic.
For epidemic prevention and control purposes, this year’s Party was scaled down to include only our leadership, management and the Secretary General of Caritas Macau Mr. Pun Chi Meng as guests cheering for the inmates. The Chinese New Party was conducted in accordance with the epidemic prevention guidelines. Food and beverage was not provided at the venue but instead arranged for consumption of inmates in their respective cells. Furthermore, all participating inmates were required to keep their face mask on throughout the Party, and have their body temperature checked and use the alcohol-based handrub on entry into the venue; seating was set up with the social distancing rule in mind, and inmates of the same floor were arranged to attend the same session of the Party in order to reduce contact.
The programs during the Party were personally arranged and prepared by the inmates themselves, including the lion dance, the ceremony sending away the Rat and welcoming the Ox, the magic show and the performance of original songs which were meant to send festive greetings and convey joy to all the guests and fellow inmates. The Correctional Services Bureau would like to thank Caritas Macau and Creation Advertising Co., Ltd. for providing the food and large tents at the Party as well as supporting correctional services and the inmates.
Director Cheng Fong Meng unveils the Party by dotting the eye of the lion.
Guests applaud the inmates’ performances.