By John Myers Jr., Staff Reporter
These ladies who call themselves the 'Progressive Girls' from Oxford Street, Hannah Town, relax on the streetside with their children. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer
THE LEVEL of tension and fear that once overshadowed the crime-ridden communities of Hannah Town and Payne Land have virtually disappeared since the security forces went in a year ago.
The residents say they are now free to stroll the streets, admire the stars in the night sky and enjoy the cool wind. And they have the security forces to thank for it.
Those with whom The Gleaner spoke had high praises for the work that the joint military/police team has done in making the area secure enough for residents to just enjoy their neighbourhood.
CONFLICTS
The two inner-city communities, identified among the most violent in the Corporate Area, were torn apart by conflicts between rival factions. The sound of gunshots had become normal to them.
However, life has taken a peaceful turn since the security forces went into the communities.
Sitting on the front steps of her house, Marcia (not her real name) told The Gleaner that the wind of peace continues to blow through Hannah Town as the children can now play on the streets and older ones can sit outside at any hour of the day or night.
PLEASURE
Another resident, who identified herself as Sylvia, spoke of the simple pleasure of being able to go about her business unmolested.
"All 5 o'clock a morning time me one walk go a market," said Sylvia, a long-time vendor at the Coronation Market.
Further up the road, a group of about five young women who called themselves the "Progressive Girls", also spoke of having the freedom to move around.
"Di area alright since the soldier and police dem come here. Wi can sit dung any hour pon di road and walk up and dung."
AREA CALM
Sergeant Phillip Taylor, who is in charge of the Hannah Town Police Station, is satisfied with the co-operation and eagerness of residents in making the peace pact. He said the area has been calm, and residents have been interacting with each other.
Both communities have had a long history of being at war with each other, but now the barriers that once existed, have been smashed.
A senior citizen in the area noted that on a daily basis, men from the Hannah Town community walk over to Denham Town to buy food and return without fear. "The youth dem a tek little more talking now, dem a listen. Most a dem a try start a little business or someting," he said.
CHILDREN PLAYING
A similar atmosphere existed in the Payne Land community. Children could be seen playing along the various streets and in the open areas. This happened while the adults and "old enoughs" busily repaired and applied fresh coats of paint to brighten the appearance of the high rise buildings that they call home. This is a Christmas tradition.
According to one policeman stationed at the police post at the entrance of Payne Avenue, the community has been on the rebound. While admitting that the occasional domestic disputes among residents sometimes disrupt the delicate balance of maintaining peace, he said nothing major develops.
Residents have also been freed from the fear of drive-by shootings and attacks from outsiders.
