DARK CLOUDS hovered as youths played football and basketball on some of August Town's most rugged tracks. Given the violence that has overwhelmed the community during the last year, these recreational scenes are a welcome change.
For six months, August Town, a community located in the hilly region of St. Andrew, experienced a period of gang warfare often associated with some of Kingston's toughest inner-city enclaves.
According to the police, nine persons were murdered there in 2004. This year, six persons lost their lives to violence.
Tempers have cooled considerably in recent months, thanks to military presence and improved relations between the police and residents of African Gardens, Jungle 12 and Viet Nam, three communities which have figured strongly in the hostilities.
TAKING A STAND
Kenneth Wilson, a long-time August Town activist, says things are looking up for the community which neighbours the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. He believes residents have had enough of the violence.
"Persons have made up their minds to lock people up ... giving statements and going to ID parades," Mr. Wilson told The Gleaner. "A number of people are in jail right now."
He added that residents are now getting along better and more peacefully.
Inspector Orlando Grant, of the August Town Police Station, confirmed that crime in the area has declined. He says the police have taken several of the area's criminals off the streets in recent months.
"A lot of the guys who were creating the violence have been arrested and charged for various offences, ranging from murder to shooting with intent and arson," Inspector Grant said. "We still have to maintain the presence 'cause this area is a volatile one."
Volatile indeed. The first sparks of violence ignited last August when Betty Atherson, a 36-year-old higgler, was killed in Bedward Pastures.
SPLIT ALONG POLITICAL LINES
In early September, thugs - allegedly from Jungle 12 - burned homes in the Judgement Yard commune owned by dancehall star Sizzla. Later that month, security forces killed community activists Sandra Newell and Gion Halcott in a controversial incident that is still before the courts.
The violence spilled over into this year with three persons killed in February.
Like other communities prone to gang violence, August Town's factions are split along political lines. But Inspector Grant says the fight for spoils, such as the control of construction sites, is the primary reason for fighting there.
Through an agreement between the Government and high command of the police and military, soldiers have been in August Town in the past three months. Although he welcomes the military patrols, Mr. Wilson says it is the people of August Town who are ultimately responsible for their future.
