MONTEGO BAY, St James — The St James police are reporting that, so far this year, there have been no murders in Norwood where a zone of special operation (ZOSO) was declared by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in June 2021.

“Since the start of the year, it is safe to say Norwood has been one of the safest communities in western Jamaica. We have not had one murder in the zones of special operation in Norwood, since the start of this year. And this was not by chance, ladies and gentlemen. It was as a result of your efforts that allowed us to so far have no murders in this zone,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Ainsley McCarthy.

He was speaking during last Saturday night’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in the community. Hosted by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), it was held at the multi-purpose sports complex.

“What we are seeing is commendable. It is the assistance of you, the people. And so for Christmas present this year we want to continue on the trend where Norwood remains one of the most secure communities in St James by not having a murder this year. Ladies and gentlemen, we want to thank you for your assistance in policing Norwood and we look forward to continue the trend in 2025,” DSP McCarthy urged residents.

He also lauded JSIF’s Managing Director Omar Sweeney and his team for infrastructural work undertaken in the community as part of the social component of the ZOSO.

“We need to give JSIF a round of applause for the work that they are doing in Norwood because it allows us to police the space much better,” McCarthy said.

Speaking at the same ceremony, commanding officer for the second battalion, Jamaica Regiment, Jamaica Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Lysight said he is pleased with the outcome of their partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force to execute the Norwood ZOSO.

“I am elated to say at this point that Norwood is one of those zones of special operation that is doing very well,” said Lysight.

Bringing greetings on behalf of JSIF, Sweeney expressed satisfaction with the reception residents have given to a number of JSIF projects implemented over the past two years.

“I am happy to know that all the interventions that we have been working on here have been well received by the community. You’ve worked well with the JSIF team. What we really like more than anything else is when we don’t haven conflict, [instead] we have cooperation and that helps us to achieve so many things. It’s really about us kicking off the season at this very special time of the year,” Sweeney said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, who is also Member of Parliament for St James North Western in which Norwood is located, told those gathered that the multi-purpose sports facility was the ideal location for the tree lighting ceremony.

“Despite the history of some eruptions in Norwood, this has always been a centre of peace and quiet. Norwood was a nice area where everybody was happy working together. We went through a rough period but this is the football field and we used to play football here until midnight. It is a good symbolic event to have the tree lighting ceremony here, which reflects peace, joy and happiness and a coming together,” Dr Chang said.

In justifying the ZOSO in Norwood when it was declared years ago, the prime minister revealed that between 2019 and June 2021, about 66 murders were recorded in the community. He also noted, at the time, that there were six gangs operating in the area. Including the one at Norwood, there are currently seven active ZOSOs across the island. Among them is the first one ever to be launched — in Mount Salem, St James — on September 1, 2017.