KINGSTON, Jamaica- Project STAR has begun the implementation of comprehensive Community Transformation Action Plans across five communities, marking a significant milestone in its mission to drive sustainable economic and social development to improve the quality of life for residents.

The communities are: Parade Gardens and Rose Gardens in Kingston; Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, which includes Seaton Crescent, Cook Street, Harmony Town and New Market Oval; May Pen in Clarendon – Havanna Heights, Racetrack and Treadlight and Salt Spring in St James.

Sharise Staines-Appleby, community services manager at Project Star said that over the past year, these communities have been actively involved in a detailed process of analysis and planning to create a shared vision for their development.

“Through engagements such as corner reasonings, walk-throughs, stakeholder meetings, focus group discussions, and surveys, community members identified their core issues and formulated strategies to address them. This collaborative process was driven by the residents themselves, supported by Project STAR and its partners,” she explained.

Staines-Appleby said that the Community Transformation Action Plans focus on addressing the root causes of priority issues, with a structured framework that includes secondary data analysis, SWOT evaluations, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and a comprehensive action plan.

“Each plan prioritises six key areas and outlines targeted programmes and initiatives, timelines, beneficiaries, partners, and desired outcomes. The strategies reflect a strong emphasis on family structure, employment and education, access to public resources, and initiatives to positively engage youth and the wider community,” she said.

The community services manager said that to ensure the longevity and impact of these plans, Project STAR is collaborating with government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society, and private sector entities to mainstream programmes and initiatives. By embedding these actions within institutional relationships and leveraging existing local resources, Project STAR aims to create a framework that is community-informed, community-led, and community-owned.

“Community support is essential for the sustainability of these plans,” she said. “Residents, through our Community Transformation Boards, play a critical role in driving and delivering the required actions for change. This direct involvement not only ensures accountability but also builds the capacity of local organisations, fostering greater ownership and commitment beyond Project STAR’s initial implementation phase.”

Staines-Appleby said that a distinctive feature of Project STAR’s methodology is its evidence-based approach, which minimises duplication of efforts and enhances the likelihood of sustained individual and community-level change. By focusing on improved coordination, increased accountability, and fostering a mindset shift toward ownership, the project aims to deliver lasting transformation.

Three hundred and seventy five residents, across all of Project STAR’s communities, were involved in developing the plans, which will be implemented over the next three years, with Project STAR and its partners working closely alongside the communities to monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed.

Staines-Appleby said that this initiative underscores Project STAR’s commitment to empowering communities and creating an environment where development is driven by local expertise and insights.

“With these action plans, Project STAR is setting a new standard for sustainable community development in Jamaica, creating a path for resilient and empowered communities across the island,” said Staines-Appleby.

For Sheroni Lewin-Lawrence, a resident of May Pen, the community transformation plan was a collaborative effort driven by the voices of the residents.

“We openly discussed the challenges facing our community, what the people of Treadlight, Havana Heights, and Racetrack needed to improve their lives. These plans were designed to address those concerns and transform our communities for the better,” she shared.

Denise Johnson, a resident of Parade Gardens, reflected on the initial hesitancy of some community members to participate in the planning process.

“At first, people were reluctant, unsure of what the programme was about,” she admitted. “But once we explained the purpose and how it could benefit the community, they began to embrace it. They became engaged and receptive, actively contributing to the process.”