SPANISH Town, known more in the past two years for gang-related violence and extortion, has over the past few months been on the receiving end of several philanthropic efforts as the historic town tries to retrieve itself from the grip of criminals. And there are small signs of change.

Police at the Spanish Town station said last week that there has been a marked decrease in criminal activity, which they speculate may be the result of infighting between members of the gangs as they try to attain the coveted title of ‘don’.

The two major gangs, One Order and Clansman, both had their leaders killed over the past year.

But the politicians and social interventionists have a different take.

“All the areas where we had violence before have stopped. All the conflicts are done. and I’m really hoping that it stays like this,” said Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Member of Parliament for Central St Catherine.

“I think the communities are tired of all the violence and everything.”

Grange, no stranger to the business, is the co-producer and promoter of a new song Put down de Gun, hitting out against crime and urging a new outlook on life, free of violence.

The MP and her South Central St Catherine colleague, Sharon Hay-Webster, are partnering on their own initiative dubbed ‘One Love, One Spanish Town’.

Both women will appear together on a ‘One Love’ billboard to be erected in the town, while another billboard with Grange and parish councillors will similarly proclaim unity.

“Spanish Town is a far more tranquil atmosphere than it was last year this time,” Hay-Webster commented.

But there is a recognition that a change of mindset will require deeper intervention.

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF), with grant funding of $3 million from local cigarette giant Carreras Group, is in the process of establishing a Peace and Justice Centre in Spanish Town, to open this month.

The centre, according to its administrator, Sharon Palmer, will operate under the same model as the DRF, but with programmes that are specific to the town’s peculiar needs.

“… We will be looking at creative ways, methods more sensitive to Spanish Town,” said Palmer.

The centre, she said, will be sending its conflict experts into the communities, not wait on residents to come for help; and plans to hold regular ‘corner’ meetings.

The term ‘corner’ refers to the physical location at street intersections, or even street sides, but its definition is also specific to the phenomenon of mostly unemployed young males congregating socially.

Disheartened by the September incident in which her car was shot up at the intersection of Church Street and Wellington Street after leaving a peace meeting with gang representatives held at the local parish council office, Grange has opted to refocus her activities on education and sports. “The incident that happened after the peace talks was a wake-up call for most people about political persuasion. and if that incident caused a change, then thanks be to God,” she said.

Grange has been raising funds for children to keep them in schools, and has raised, she said, $106,000 from Scotiabank towards school fees, and $800,000 from another company for textbooks.

She has also launched a truancy programme in her constituency to track children who are not in school, determine the causes, and to intervene to get them back into classes.

Hay-Webster too says there is a homework and reading project being undertaken independently by women in her constituency, and that a library has been established by the De La Vega City Citizens’ Association and Youth Club.

Monsignor Richard Albert also drew special praises from Hay-Webster for his role in restoring hope to the communities in Spanish Town.

Government, too, has also pledged its support for the redevelopment of the historic town, partnering with private sector interests to create the Spanish Town Redevelopment Company (SPARCOM), spearheaded by Aubyn Hill, chairman of the state-run National Investment Bank of Jamaica.

Though all the details of the company’s structure and funding are yet to be finalised and Cabinet is still to endorse it, SPARCOM is planning comprehensive rehabilitation of Spanish Town, complete with a new civic centre, international trade zone, historic square, commercial centre and courthouse.

The plan is part of a broader plan to link Port Royal, Kingston and Spanish Town as tourist attractions.

Both MPs have endorsed SPARCOM, but have their individual concerns.

For Grange, it is speed.

“While the grass is growing, the cows are starving,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to the developments to be put forward by SPARCOM and the Basic Services Programme, but I think we need to fast track something now,” she said.

Hay-Webster is concerned about the implications for displacement of households as plans take effect.

“The issue of resettlement is a very critical one. We really should ensure that the appropriate lifestyle is maintained and not compromised for the people,” she said.

“The more you improve the people’s environment, then you can improve their mindset.”

davisv@jamaicaobserver.com