KINGSTON, Jamaica — Residents of Denham Town have welcomed the installation and repair of dozens of streetlights in their community, describing the move as a much-needed step towards restoring a sense of safety following the murder of three-year-old Zaylon Pinnock.

Councillor for the Denham Town Division, Delon Gayle, said on Sunday that additional members of the security forces have also been deployed to the area as efforts continue to stabilise the community after the fatal shooting.

“Since the death of the baby, the Member of Parliament would come in and from then myself and the team would have undertaken some various initiatives. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is here where they are renewing the streetlights that were out for a while, pruning some trees that were hanging over the streetlights so persons can feel a sense of safety walking in the night because the streets were more jet dark,” Gayle said.

He estimated that 30-40 streetlights across the community had been defective.

“So far they have installed and reinstated 25 to 30, putting in some new lights in some sections that were not with existing lights before,” he added.

Gayle said other community initiatives are underway, including a clean-up exercise and a playdate for children.

He also confirmed a 72-hour curfew, imposed after the shooting.

“I must say a big thanks to the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) for their increased presence in the community so persons feel that sense of reassurance that the ground is a bit safe because they are here more in numbers,” Gayle said.

He commended residents for cooperating with law enforcement.

One resident, Marine, said the improved lighting has already made a difference.

“It’s very dark at night…I was praying long ago to see if the streetlights could be fixed so that they have more clarity of seeing the road or anybody walking on the road,” she said when asked what the conditions were like before.

Asked how she feels now, Marine responded: “I’m very happy about it. I can see straight cross now and I can walk very comfortable.”

The community has been on edge since gunmen posed as customers and opened fire at a home on Nelson Street. Three-year-old Zaylon Pinnock was fatally shot during the attack, while his father, 31-year-old Kerrio Pinnock, and another child were injured. Kerrio Pinnock later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

READ: 3-y-o boy killed, two others injured in Denham Town gun attack

READ: Father of slain 3-y-o succumbs to injuries following Denham Town attack