By Kimone Witter
A little over two years after its launch, Project STAR says it has made notable progress in the five target communities where it has been carrying out social and economic intervention programmes.
The project is operating in Rose Gardens and Parade Gardens in downtown, Kingston; Salt Spring, St. James; May Pen, Clarendon; and Savanna-la-mar in Westmoreland.
Giving an update on the project recently, Project STAR director, Saffrey Brown said the exceptional level of community engagement was one of the initiative's most significant achievements.
She disclosed that 26 months into the project, more than 3,500 residents, across all five communities, have actively participated in shaping their Community Transformation Action Plans.
Ms. Brown said another area of success has been in promoting social cohesion through various community programmes, which include sporting activities, cultural events, and peace-building initiatives.
She said 62 per cent of participants in these activities were under 29 years old.
Project STAR is a five-year social and economic transformation initiative that targets under-resourced, underserved communities experiencing high levels of crime or violence.
Reducing crime
The Project is also reporting significant success in reducing crime in the three communities it has been working with the longest.
These are Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; Parade Gardens and Rose Gardens, East Downtown Kingston.
Data Scientist for Project STAR, Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee, said one of the most remarkable outcomes has been observed in the Savanna-la-mar communities of Coke Street, Seaton Crescent and New Market Oval.
Dr. Lyew-Ayee said, for nearly a year, the areas have experienced zero recorded major crimes.
He also noted a significant reduction in violent crime in East Downtown Kingston, particularly in areas once considered crime hotspots.
Dr. Lyew-Ayee said this achievement was not a result of luck but was instead driven by data-backed interventions and collaboration with local stakeholders and key partners such as the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
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