FRIDAY’S official launch of the Community Resilience and Transformation (CREATE) Project signalled hope for residents of four volatile communities across the island.

The communities to benefit from the project are Parade Gardens and Majesty Gardens in the Corporate Area, Norwood in St James, and Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

The project, which costs $36.8 million, is designed to renovate community centres and spaces where residents can gather and bond while engaging in a wide variety of developmental activities and meetings.

These events and activities are expected to go a long way in expanding opportunities for at-risk youth and to support violence prevention in hot-spot communities.

Dalton Spence, president of the Norwood Community Development Committee (CDC), said the usually violent community has started to see a long-needed turnaround with a reduction in shootings and killings.

With the renovation that will take place at community centre, he is expecting crime to be even further reduced.

According to Spence, in the past when the name Norwood was mentioned in any conversation it was most likely because it was being highlighted as a place where shootings and killings occurred often.

Jahiem Mitchell, president of the Mejesty Gardens Community Development Committee in St Andrew. Joseph Wellington

“It was always a negative, but now we have changed that. I’m sure nobody is scared to come to Norwood anymore, and so we declare peace in the area,” Spence said.

“It is a privilege to address you on behalf of the Norwood CDC and the residents of Norwood. They are happy for such a moment. I extend our sincere appreciation to the Pan American Development Foundation, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. For the people of Norwood, this project represents much more than improvement of a facility. It represents hope. It represents opportunity, and the confidence in a community that has continued to work diligently to improve the lives of its residents.

“Norwood’s CDC is committed to serving our residents, and we have done so. We continue to use this space for community meetings, new development programmes and summer camps. We are going to have our camps in that space. We have educational initiatives. We believe that community development must continue even when resources are limited. The improvement being made will provide a safer and a welcoming space,” he said, “where children, young people, and family can learn and develop their talents.”

Copeland Bailey, past president of the Grange Hill CDC, thanked the stakeholders who invested in the project, pointing out that the renovation of a safe space in his community represents an investment in people, families and the future of Grange Hill overall.

“By restoring this facility, you are creating opportunities that encourage young people to spend their time engaging in productive activities rather than becoming vulnerable to crime, violence, and other negative impacts. Safe community spaces are an important part of crime prevention. They keep young people safe, in terms of belonging, promote teamwork, discipline, leadership, and respect, and bring families and neighbours together,” said Bailey.

He argued that communities are stronger and safer when young people have positive opportunities and supportive environments.

Dalton Spence, president of the Norwood Community Development Committee in St James Joseph wellington

“We want this space to inspire hope, create opportunities, and help guide our young people towards education, employment, and positive things in life. The timing of the renovation could not be better,” Bailey added.

The presidents of the Parade Gardens and Majesty Gardens CDCs were also thankful for the programme.

Jahiem Mitchell from Majesty Gardens said the renovation of the multi-purpose space in the community is happening at the perfect time.

“Once it is to bring the people together, once it is to mend situations, once it is for the development and upliftment of our community, it happens on that multi-purpose court. Its maintenance is indeed our responsibility. This is a gift that we will treasure. This is a gift that we will protect,” Mitchell said.

Meanwhile Norman Brown, president of the Parade Gardens CDC, said the investment in his community is far more than just repairing a building.

“Once renovated, it will form a stronger home for youth development, learning, family support, and positive community engagement. It will provide a safe place where children and young people can build their skills, develop their talents, and access opportunities that encourage positive life choices.

“We look forward to expanding programmes such as our homework support initiative, mentoring activities such as club activities, entrepreneurship and skill development, and other human-focused initiatives that promote education, leadership, and personal growth,” shared Brown.