By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterRESIDENTS OF the depressed community of Tavares Gardens, better known as 'Payne Land' in South West St. Andrew, should begin to see some new community projects in the wake of the security forces' and other groups' efforts to re-build their social infrastructure.
The assistance of other agencies is being sought to improve the social conditions in inner-city communities and already members of the Junior Doctors Association of Jamaica (JDA) and Palisadoes Co-operative Credit Union have responded to appeals to help.
On Monday at a press conference in the community, Dr. Collin Graham of the JDA said his colleagues had agreed to stage a health fair in the community next Monday, December 16 when residents will be given free health care.
A cheque for $100,000 was also handed over to Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes by Maxine Wilson of the Palisadoes Co-operative Credit Union.
"The police cannot do it alone, neither the agencies by themselves. It requires a combined effort, and so to this end I am using this opportunity to invite other businesses to join forces with the police," said Miss Wilson. She lauded the security forces for the gesture in cleaning the communities, making it safer and healthier to live.
Commissioner Forbes thanked Miss Wilson and Dr. Graham for their generosity and their willingness to support the security forces in what he called a rescue mission.
"May other organisations follow your lead," the Commiss-ioner said.
The police are in the process of building a park in the community. They have already cleared tons of debris from an open lot on Payne Avenue for the purpose and have plans to renovate an abandoned building which will be used as a home work centre for children in the community. Another building has been identified to be set up as a training centre for the youngsters.
Commissioner Forbes said the security forces would remain in the communities for as long as necessary.
