THE SECURITY forces have pumped millions of dollars into developing social intervention projects within inner-city communities in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine, as part of Government's anti-crime initiative which was launched a year ago.
Lynberg Simpson, Senior Superintendent of Police who also heads the Jamaica Constabulary Forces' community relations department, disclosed that to date, just over $6.5 million has been spent in several communities. The money was obtained from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.
SSP Simpson told The Gleaner that the money was spent on sports, cultural and educational programmes, as well as to construct a multi-sport complex in Payne Land.
"We have renovated and improved the whole appearance of several basic schools and painted the buildings," he said. He noted that the poor conditions under which students were being taught, was a deterrent to learning.
DILAPIDATED STATE
Many of the schools were in a dilapidated state, the roofs were low and leaky, the classrooms hot and furniture for both teachers and students inadequate, SSP Simpson said.
He explained that the initiative has so far yielded positive results. "We have been able to curtail, and in some instances reduce the level of criminal behaviour and conflicts while (improving the) interpersonal relationship (between residents and the police)."
He noted that there had been spontaneous flare-ups caused from domestic disputes but the presence of the police has prevented these conflicts from escalating.
In areas where social services are lacking, specifically the collection of garbage, the security forces have assisted residents with disposal and clearing of open land space to improve their surroundings. Eight basic schools have benefited under the programme: Irish Pen, Unity and Ellerslie Pen in St. Catherine; Boys' Town in West Kingston, Blessing in Central Kingston, Mona in Central St. Andrew and Payne Avenue in South St. Andrew. The Rose Heights Basic School in St. James also received assistance under the programme.
Opportunities for free medical care have come with the staging of several health fairs organised by the security forces in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and private sector companies.
In Hannah Town, West Kingston, a group of young women have set up small businesses in two sectionalised 40-foot containers set up by the Social Development Commission.
- John Myers Jr.
