ST ANDREW, Jamaica — Grants Pen Peace Park in St Andrew has received new exercise bars available for use by the entire community to provide an avenue for physical exertion to relieve stress and for workouts.

The bars were donated by Cremo, a brand under the manufacturing company Island Dairies, and the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) under its ongoing peace initiatives.

The park, which serves as a multipurpose facility for residents, was established some 15 years ago with the support of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica.

The new addition to the park indicates the importance of creating spaces for at-risk youths to turn them away from a path of violence. The Grants Pen community has a reputation for crime and violence; however, efforts are being made to create a safer environment.

During the official opening on Sunday, June 12, the Director of Island Dairies, Glendon Nam, said the bars would promote better self-esteem, self-confidence and ultimately an even better Grant’s Pen community.

“This is our big corporate social responsibility project, and it is our way of making an impact by starting with our immediate neighbours,” Nam said, adding that this is just the first of many community outreach programmes that Cremo will embark on.

He continued, “We want to build not just better bodies, but to build bridges and break down barriers. We invest in our communities with that mission in mind. There is unlimited potential in the community, and our athletes are performing so well, it is our belief that there are many potential gold medallists in Grants Pen who can use those bars while training.”

During the ceremony, members of the Grants Pen community enjoyed a special demonstration on how to use the callisthenics bars led by health and fitness organisation Spry Training.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister and Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Eastern, Delroy Chuck described the initiative as a symbol of strengthening the community.

“Grants Pen has come a very long way and it is enjoying peace. The initiative is good and we can only hope that the people will make good use of them, but we will also be encouraging them to,” Chuck said.

However, chairman of VPA, Dr Elizabeth Ward, emphasised that despite the multiple community peace outreach programmes over the years, it was important to keep the momentum in building and maintaining safe communities.

“You always have to work at it because it’s a few people that instigate a lot of trouble so we have to make sure that those people don’t increase their strengths. We’re working with the children in the schools, the youth to ensure occupations and we’re also working on making sure that sporting activities are available and utilised and they know the value of playing together, handling differences and managing conflicts,” Ward explained.