Five Communities to Benefit from US$2-Million Crime Reduction and Security Strengthening Project

Five communities across Jamaica will benefit from a two-year US$2-million project aimed at reducing crime and violence and strengthening community security.

Dubbed ‘Comm-Unity Resilience and Transformation (CREATE)’, the initiative will involve strategic crime and violence-prevention interventions to enhance citizen security, foster positive youth development, and strengthen local community networks.

The beneficiary communities are Parade Gardens, Kingston; Majesty Gardens, St. Andrew; Gregory Park, St. Catherine; Norwood, St. James and Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

CREATE is being implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the United States Embassy Kingston, through funding from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

Over the two years, the project will involve the renovation and expansion of community spaces; provision of targeted programmes for at-risk youth and their families, equipping them with skills to resist criminal influence and contribute to community safety; and training local stakeholders to implement and sustain Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) methodologies and other evidence-based crime-prevention strategies.

Addressing the launch at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on May 15, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, said the initiative aligns with the Government’s strategy to create safer communities.

She said the Ministry welcomes the collaboration in creating spaces that discourage criminal activity and promote a sense of safety and well-being among citizens.

Ambassador Stone Roofe, in remarks delivered by Director, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in the Ministry, Sherece James, said the Government is steadfast in its commitment to establishing a security ecosystem that addresses the multifaceted nature of crime prevention.

“This is a recognition that there is no single solution or silver bullet to address the challenges we face in ensuring the safety of our communities. Instead, we must pursue sustainable security programmes that benefit all citizens, fostering effective citizen security through evidence-based interventions, collaboration and a comprehensive approach to crime dynamics,” she said.

Ambassador Stone Roofe cited the JamaicaEye programme and the reorganisation of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Branch as among the strategies being implemented to increase community safety.

For her part, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy in Kingston, Amy Tachco, said the CREATE project is a landmark initiative that exemplifies the strength of the US- Jamaica partnership using crime prevention through environmental design methodologies.

She said that the launch builds on previous collaborative efforts between the US Government and the people of Jamaica.

“Through specialised training and the provision of resources, we are supporting Jamaica’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat gangs, including steering at-risk youth away from organised crime and toward activities that build up their community and character. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to wage a global war on gangs and fulfil Jamaica’s vision for a safer, more prosperous future,” she said.

Ms. Tachco said the investment in the targeted areas aims to reduce crime, foster resilience and create safe spaces where families, children, communities and businesses can thrive and citizens can feel secure.

Communications Manager, Parade Gardens Benevolent Society Community Development Committee, Shaka Payne, in his remarks, said the initiative will touch every layer of the community and will invite dialogue.

“The project speaks directly to what we in Parade Gardens have long advocated for, transformation rooted in togetherness, capacity-building and safe spaces for our people, especially our youths,” he said.