Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Horace Levy, senior member of the Peace Management Initiative, and Marie Bucknor, a resident of August Town, urging community members to put an end to the violence that has affected the community for the past 14 months, while this despondent resident hoped for the change. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Since the murder of alleged area leader Neil Wright of August Town, St. Andrew in November 2005, almost every month someone is killed in the community. The once-lively community that hosted dance sessions on weekends had become a sleepy town.

Yesterday, however, for the first time in 14 months the residents filled the streets and shared jokes as crates of Red Stripe beer and Guinness flowed.

For at least one afternoon, since then, the residents felt safe to walk the streets, as they, in collaboration with the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) staged a peace march through the community.

Standing at the corner of Jungle 12, one of the most violent areas in August Town, Horace Levy, senior PMI member, and politicians Senator Trevor Munroe, the People's National Party caretaker for the constituency, and Oliver Clue also of the PNP, urged the residents to unite.

"This is to demonstrate to the public that Jungle 12 members are back together and that they want peace," said Mr. Levy through a bullhorn.

"You know how long me no come here," said an elderly woman.

Sceptic resident

One resident somewhat sceptic about the peace march expressed to The Gleaner that she hoped the unity would last after the march.

"I think is because the election is coming up and they want the people to vote for the PNP is one of the main reasons why they have the walk today," she said. "Look at the men lining the walls, I want to see those bad men, the ones from both sides, come out and shake each other's hands," she added.

The violence in the community has been described by the police as a gang war and not politically motivated.

August Town is considered a PNP stronghold, but the party lost the eastern St. Andrew seat in the last general election.

Another resident, Milton Walcott was just happy to witness his neighbours being able to roam the streets.

"Let bygones be bygones and turn the page and live good again," said Mr. Walcott who has resided in the community for 31 years. "People even 'fraid to go to the shop. So you know how me feel good to see me people on the streets," he said.

Senator Munroe said that he wants to engage all the communities within the constituency to assist each other in fostering development and growth.

"We can never be sure that the peace will last," said Senator Munroe. "But my mission is to work with every single citizen from all walks of life to bring peace to August Town," he said.