SPORT became a tool for change in Caymanas Gardens Site D on April 6, 2026.

The community came out for a charity event featuring football, dominoes, and jerk chicken on sale — all to garner funds for a bigger dream — a fenced football field, netball area, and a community centre.

Leading the drive is Althea Wright, president of the Caymanas Gardens Site D Citizen Association and interim chair of the National Housing Trust Scheme Association.

“I want to garner funds to develop or erect a community centre. I feel there’s a need for one here,” Wright said.

“I have gone to different communities and I have seen community centres there, and I said ‘Why not have one in Caymanas Gardens Site D?’ ” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The initiative drew support from Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Alando Terrelonge, who attended with Councillor Joy Brown.

“I am very proud of our new executive at the Caymanas Gardens Site D Community. Over the last few months we have literally renovated the community, we have put in the new roads, the new pathways, and everything is looking wonderful over there,” Terrelonge said.

“Today [April 6] they started the football and domino tournaments and I was very happy to be a part of it. It is a good initiative. Gregory Park, you know, is now the safest community in all of Jamaica.

“We have had zero murders in 2025 and so far it is good. All the peace continues and so I just want to say kudos to all our community executive members, the residents, who continue to make Gregory Park and surrounding communities very peaceful, very safe, for our children and our families,” Terrelonge stated.

For Wright, youth engagement is the priority.

“The youth don’t want to come to a citizens’ association because before, they believe it is for older people, and what I am trying to do is get them more involved. With this football competition I believe it will get them to come together.

“[I want to] get the football field fenced around, mark out the football field, and then get a netball area as well. I need the help on board because my team alone can’t do it. The turnout was great; we got the support and I am grateful for everything,” Wright said.

WRIGHT… the turnout was great; we got the support and I am grateful for everything