Bridgetown was the usual hive of activity once again on Thursday when school children descended into The City after the end of the school term.In what has become a tradition, the stragglers, some of them looking most unkempt, headed for Swan Street to “pull a lime” or go from store to store looking around.But personnel from the Royal Barbados Police Force were hot on their heels, in an attempt to keep them on the move, ensuring there would be no liming and blocking of store entrances.“Move and keep moving!” came the call from stern officers who had no trouble in getting their jobs done. That call was issued to both school children and the usual limers.But the officers also made sure they brought a sense of discipline to the children, many of whom were made to tuck in their shirts, take out earrings, remove excessive jewellery, take off hats, and be appropriately attired in their school uniforms.Some students heeded the call instantly, but there were those who attempted to walk away from the law, and had to be given a stern word or a “hands-on” approach to get the job done.“Excuse me, push in your shirt for me, please,” was a frequently heard call on the street that evening.Bridgetown store owners welcomed the law’s approach, while sentiments such as “This is good; get them off the streets” or “I’m glad to see you making them look tidy; you right to make them push in dem shirts officers” were expressed by parents on the scene.But the task was no easy one, and many who were urged to “move and keep moving” often simply walked a little distance away from the officers before stopping and liming until the law’s arms reached them again.One school boy was even hustled to the Central Police Station and another came close to being arrested when he attempted to fight with police officers.But at the end of the day, kudos must go to the Royal Barbados Police Force for a job well done on Thursday in The City.
