THE St Andrew North Police Division continued its social intervention in the violence-scarred 100 Lane and Park Lane communities off Red Hills Road with a walk-through on Friday.

This time the cops were joined by Member of Parliament (MP) for St Andrew North Central, the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Delano Seiveright, People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker for the constituency Christopher Henry, community advocate Rochelle Gilzene, and a large group of residents.

Head of the police division, Superintendent Randy Sweeney and his team, have imposed a rolling curfew in the area since last December, following the murder of 50-year-old Janet Baker in a drive-by shooting in Park Lane.

Since then there has been a sharp reduction in crime in the communities, with Sweeney and his team now embarking on a wider peace, social intervention, and community renewal push in two densely populated communities that have for decades stood at the centre of gang violence, political division, and repeated bloodshed.

During Friday’s walk-through — the latest in a series — the group visited a playing field in 100 Lane that had long been rendered largely unusable by violence and neglect but which has been cleared and is again being used for football and other positive activities by young people in the area.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer Seiveright welcomed the effort by the police to reclaim the space and argued that safe, active community areas are essential to steering young people towards discipline, hope, and opportunity.

He also announced he is to sponsor sports gear and football equipment for teams from the communities as part of efforts to support organised youth activity and strengthen community cohesion.

For many residents, one of the most striking moments of the visit was the sight of political rivals Seiveright and Henry standing together in 100 Lane on a field long associated with multiple shootings, killings and bitter political clashes.

In the PNP bastion of 100 Lane, and JLP stronghold of Park Lane, where old partisan loyalties run deep, the joint presence carried symbolism that was not lost on residents.

According to Seiveright, it sent a clear message that peace, cooperation, and community renewal must now take precedence over old conflicts and entrenched battle lines.

The delegation also toured a dilapidated community centre which Seiveright said he is seeking to have rehabilitated through partnerships involving public and private sector stakeholders.

He said that once restored, the facility could serve as a hub for youth development, skills training, counselling, community meetings, and wider social support.

Seiveright said that since entering the area as MP last year he has sought to build on the efforts of former parliamentarian Karl Samuda’s 45-year run of representation through deeper outreach and practical support in the communities.

He said the work now under way must go beyond policing and move decisively into physical improvement, social upliftment and long-term renewal.

In that regard, Seiveright told the Observer that efforts are also being advanced to beautify the entrances to 100 and Park lanes as part of a wider Red Hills Road enhancement project set to begin rolling out this year.

“[The areas of] 100 Lane and Park Lane need sustained attention, not only from a security standpoint but also from a human development and community renewal standpoint. We have to reclaim spaces, restore hope, support families, engage our young people, and strengthen partnerships across the board — that is how we help to build safer and more stable communities over time,” Seiveright said.

He commended Sweeney and his team for their work in the communities and said lasting peace would require continued trust-building, visible action, and sustained cooperation among the police, residents, community stakeholders, and political representatives.

“Communities like 100 Lane and Park Lane have far too much potential to be defined only by violence. The people here deserve peace, opportunity, functioning community spaces, cleaner and more welcoming surroundings, and a real chance at a better future. We will continue to push for that,” added Seiveright.

Head of the St Andrew North Police Division, Superintendent Randy Sweeney (right) and Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Central Delano Seiveright in discussions with residents of 100 and Park lanes during a walk-through on Friday.