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Residents od Mount Salem, St. James; PNP caretaker for West Central St. James, Dr. Andre Haughton; and Kerry Thomas, Councillor for the Mount Salem division
By Racquel Porter
Residents of Mount Salem in St. James are welcoming a further extension of the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) but some members of the political directorate are questioning its existence.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved a 180-day extension of the ZOSOs in seven areas across Jamaica, which will all expire on June 25.
Some residents said since the imposition of the measure, there has been a marked reduction in crime in the area, although some people are still fearful.
"Right now mi feel safe 'cause you can go out and come in as you like now. Nut'n to that nuh gwaan a Salem again like one time. Salem kinda cool," said one resident.
"I feel grateful, grateful. I appreciate it. I love it. It is a very good thing. I've seen it work over the years," another insisted.
"All we need is the people, the youths and all of us to be one and let it work, okay."
But People's National Party caretaker for West Central St. James, Dr. Andre Haughton, believes some residents view the ZOSO as a band-aid for the issues plaguing the area.
Mr. Haughton pointed out that when the security measure was implemented in 2017, residents thought the social issues would have been addressed, but this has not been the case.
He argued that the communities have been suppressed and the people feel disenfranchised, so more community intervention programmes are needed.
"What we want is for the Zone of Special Operations not just to come and police the citizens but create opportunities through which they can integrate and uplift themselves and also to feel better about their self esteem.
At the same time, Kerry Thomas, Councillor for the Mount Salem division, said a complete overhaul of the ZOSO is needed.
He explained that after seven years, residents should have been able to police themselves.
But with their ongoing need for the security forces, he argued, it is clear that the primary objective of the ZOSO - to change the environment and minds of the people - was not achieved.
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