Central Kingston celebrates reduction in major crimes

   

With major crimes trending down in one of the most violent constituencies in Jamaica, residents in Central Kingston are happy with the development. 

 

The shift comes as stakeholders have managed to foster a peaceful collaboration between officials and constituents through sports.

 

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the serious crimes category has so far recorded nine incidents, two less than the 11 for the corresponding period last year.  

 

Member of Parliament Donovan Williams, who was speaking at a football match at Breeze Castle in downtown Kingston on Monday, said he has been working with the police to bring calm to the area. 

 

"We are getting better in Central Kingston, Parade Gardens in particular. It's not good but we are doing well so far and we hope to continue to build on what we have - the partnership with the police, the partnership with the residents, the young men - and try to move forward and remove that stigma that has affected us over the years," he declared. 

 

He also called for the business community to support the efforts being made. 

 

"We want to encourage corporate Jamaica, the downtown businesses, invest in these communities. Support us, help us. You want to see us doing better, support the young people, support our projects," he begged while thanking the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's Project STAR intiative for the work being done in the contituency. 

 

Meanwhile, Garfield Addison, a resident from the area, has welcomed the collaboration to foster peace. Mr. Addison, who was also at the football match, said he was happy to be there, noting that "A few years ago we couldn't have something like this [because of] the crime and violence." 

 

"Today is a wonderful feeling. I also want to say a big shout out to MP Donovan Williams, Councillor Rosalie Hamilton and all who make (sic) this possible, and we're hoping to keep it up," he said.