KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an effort to foster peace and social cohesion, the community of Rose Gardens came alive on the weekend with the kick-off of a street football tournament.

Spearheaded by the community with support from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Project STAR, Member of Parliament for Kingston Central, Donovan Williams and other local stakeholders, the initiative sought to break down long-standing barriers in the community, promoting unity through sports.

Delano Campbell, youth and sports officer for Project STAR, highlighted the significance of the event.

“What we’re seeing today is really a collaborative effort between community members, Project STAR, and other stakeholders. Normally, this area is divided by mental and physical barriers, but today is about bringing everyone back into the heart of the community,” said Campbell.

He emphasised that the football tournament is more than a one-off event. “It’s about kick-starting weekly activities and fostering social cohesion.”

The tournament, featuring teams from various parts of the community, is part of a broader push to reintegrate and unify Rose Gardens and Parade Gardens. For years, the area has been fractured by violence, with rival factions from different blocks creating tension and division. But this weekend, football became the bridge to healing, said Campbell.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Eucal Francis, who is assigned to the Kingston Central Police Division, expressed optimism about the event’s impact on the community.

“Now people can walk freely, enjoy themselves, and come out to watch the games. It’s bringing unity and peace to the people,” he said.

Francis hopes that this momentum will continue through the Christmas season, with more community events planned for children and families.

“What we are doing here is having a positive impact on the community. In months gone by, here used to be like a virtual ghost town; nobody would be in the square… But between that time and now a lot has changed; not one serious crime has been reported in this area and not even an explosion in the Parade Gardens over the last six to eight months,” he pointed out.

Another key voice in the community, Akeem Walsh, a well-known DJ and selector in central Kingston, praised the initiative for bringing peace to Rose Gardens and Parade Gardens. “For the past couple of years, it wasn’t like this. But now, to see people gathering and having fun is a positive change,” he said.

Walsh, who grew up in the community, noted that violence in recent years had overshadowed the neighbourhood. “Seeing something like this, where there’s unity and togetherness, gives me hope,” he expressed.

The tournament also showcased the talent of young men in the community who, despite their football skills, have been held back by the area’s history of violence.

Walsh observed, “There’s a lot of talent around here, but due to the violence, many haven’t had the chance to showcase it. This tournament gives them that opportunity.”

For 28-year-old Akeem Atkinstall, the tournament was a show of unity among the residents.

“Everything is going peacefully as it is supposed to be. Everybody is coordinating, and I love that,” he said.

As the sports programme progresses, the community hopes that football will continue to play a role in bringing peace and joy back to Rose Gardens. The presence of the JCF and other community groups further strengthens the initiative, ensuring that residents feel safe while participating.

The tournament culminated with a prize-giving ceremony and after party.