HAYES, Clarendon — Determined to strengthen their relationship with residents of this community that was rocked by a fatal car crash and three days of protests against the police, members of police youth clubs (PYC) from across the country on Sunday visited Hayes for a day of prayer and fun-filled activities.

“We went into the community, we had devotion and we participated in 100m races and walkathons,” PYC President Letesha Whyte told the Jamaica Observer.

On June 12 a car with nine people crashed, setting in motion a series of events that is still taking its toll on the community. Three people died, 21-year-old Kevaughn Salmon, his 17-year-old cousin Janoy Blair, and Devonte Johnson, who died at the Kingston Public Hospital on June 13 while undergoing treatment.

Salmon’s mother has still not come to grips with his death.

“The mother of Devonte Johnson shared memories of him, [saying] he was a jovial person. Then we spoke to Kevaughn Salmon’s mom, and she was still in denial. She believes that her son is still alive,” said Whyte.

According to police reports, shortly after 8:00 pm on June 12, a team of cops doing spot checks signalled the vehicle to stop. The driver reportedly disobeyed and later collided with a light pole in the vicinity of the Watsonton Church. Residents blocked the streets in the days following the crash, accusing the police of opening fire on the car without provocation, a claim the police have refuted.

The ties between the PYC and the community had existed before the crash, as some of the youngsters who died were members of the club. Sunday’s visit by PYC members from Kingston, St Elizabeth, Manchester, and St Ann was a reminder of the bond that once existed and an effort to create new memories.

According to Whyte, residents came out in full support, and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force also participated in Sunday’s events.