KINGSTON, Jamaica – Five residents of Rose Gardens have been recognised by Project STAR for their leadership, service, and commitment to advancing social programmes that are steadily reshaping the Kingston community.

Tenecia Cole, Kristoff James, Alaya Ferguson, Jason Longmore and Annette Hill were honoured during a recent town hall meeting at Pentab High School in Kingston, where Project STAR provided an update on its ongoing work and impact in the area.

According to a release from Project STAR, Hill, president of the Community Transformation Board, has been a central figure in coordinating and sustaining community efforts. Her leadership has been critical in building trust and encouraging resident participation since the programme’s introduction.

Project START said in addition to her organisational role, Hill coaches the Beyond the Hoop netball team, a behavioural programme for girls aged eight to 18. Through this initiative, she mentors young women, helping to build confidence and nurture future leaders.

She reflected on her early involvement, noting the importance of trust in community work.

“When they saw me being a part of it, they knew it couldn’t have been about politics… It was about the people in this place,” she said.

At the forefront of family support is Cole, leader of the Rose Gardens Parenting Club.

Under her guidance, the group has become one of the community’s most active platforms, providing counselling, engagement sessions, and practical support for parents. The club successfully completed its action plan last year and has maintained strong momentum, continuing to reach families in need.

Cole has also played a key role in mobilising residents for production worker training programmes, helping many to access employment opportunities.

James has been equally instrumental in driving community participation. From the outset of Project STAR’s presence in Rose Gardens, he has championed involvement in training, job readiness initiatives, and skills development programmes.

His work extends into youth engagement through the Kicking Forward Football Programme, where he mentors young men, using sport as a tool to promote discipline and purpose. His consistent encouragement has helped foster a culture of participation, particularly among youth seeking direction.

For many residents, Ferguson represents the quiet strength behind community mobilisation. A dependable volunteer, she supports a wide range of Project STAR activities, from outreach and event coordination to assisting with training sessions and HEART programme initiatives.

Her steady presence ensures that activities run smoothly and that residents feel welcomed and supported, reinforcing a spirit of unity across the community.

Longmore has emerged as a strong role model for young men in Rose Gardens. He played an early role in mobilising youth for the Nano Grants Programme and continues to provide mentorship rooted in personal experience and faith.

Longmore has also opened his home to teach carpentry skills during the summer months, offering hands-on learning opportunities that instil discipline and build trust. Reflecting on the transformation underway, he said, “I appreciate what I see… and the transformation that is coming,” noting how Project STAR’s presence aligns with his personal mission to uplift the community’s youth.

Saffrey Brown, Project STAR’s project director praised the awardees, describing them as the backbone of the programme’s success in Rose Gardens.

“These individuals represent the very best of community leadership. Their commitment, consistency, and willingness to serve are what make transformation possible. Project STAR can provide the support and structure, but it is champions like these who bring the work to life and ensure it has a lasting impact,” she said.