New initiative established to PREVENT St Mary crime
Published:Monday | December 16, 2024 | 12:06 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
ANNOTTO BAY, St Mary
A 24-hour curfew imposed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in an effort to cauterise an upsurge in violence in sections of Enfield and Annotto Bay in St Mary, ends today.
Acting Superintendent of Police Anthony Wallace, commanding officer for the St Mary division, said the curfew, which was implemented at 6 p.m. yesterday, ends at the same time this evening.
According to Wallace, the measure has been deemed necessary to address what he described as the escalating gang violence in those areas, which has resulted in multiple robberies, shootings, and murders.
“We continue to cauterise the current crime situation in Enfield with proactive policing measures,” Wallace commented.
“We have seen a number of incidents in Annotto Bay... Enfield in particular, with over 35 per cent of murders across the parish happening in the Annotto Bay Police community. Enfield in particular has a record of having criminal gangs operating in the area,” he added.
Additionally Wallace said they have also launched the PREVENT (Partnership for Reconciliation, Engagement & Violence Elimination Now and Tomorrow) Initiative in Annotto Bay. This, he said, is another step in the process of making the community safe and secure for residents through partnership and collaboration.
“The St Mary Police Division is thrilled to announce the recent launch of the PREVENT Initiative. This groundbreaking programme is designed to create safer communities within Annotto Bay and by extension the parish of St Mary- through fostering collaboration between law enforcement, community organisations, and social service agencies,” he further added.
Wallace pointed out that at its core, the PREVENT Initiative is about partnership and about building trust, reducing crime, and strengthening the resilience of the communities.
Wallace noted that the Initiative is also aimed at addressing conflicts through alternative justice programmes such as restorative justice and mediation, proactively working with communities to identify and address their unique safety concerns, and implementing targeted operations and community interventions to disrupt criminal activities.
Wallace added that the initiative’s first phase is being spearheaded by the parish’s operations team, focusing on Annotto Bay – historically a high-risk area but one filled with untapped potential for growth and transformation. He noted also that targeted operations and engagement activities are already under way, and residents can expect an increased police presence paired with collaborative community interventions.
“The PREVENT Initiative is about more than just reducing crime. It aims to redefine Annotto Bay as a safe, thriving, family-oriented space. By addressing safety concerns, creating opportunities for youth, and promoting unity, this programme is setting the foundation for sustainable community-led growth across St Mary.”