Marlene McPherson, Gleaner WriterWITH THE spiralling crime rate in Jamaica the idea of safety in many places in the country is far-fetched. However, there is one place that can boast of being relatively crime-free.
In the parish of St. Thomas is a small district 18 miles from Morant Bay, between Golden Grove and Hector's River Amity Hall.
The area has basic amenities, piped water, churches, one primary school and six shops. The members of the community "work together, and play together" and, as a result, they are reaping the comfort of a relatively crime-free existence.
There was a consensus, among the residents interviewed, that the last crime took place 15 years ago. According to Eunice Webly, an early childhood teacher "We are family oriented, we are co-operative."
Veronica Campbell, another resident and shop-keeper articulated her view concerning this crime-free area. "Everyone in this district is born and grown here. Anything like breaking-in is done by an outsider. This is the only area that you can leave your house open. For the whole year the police did not arrest anyone in this district."
"We decide not to do anything wrong," enjoined Aaron Wilson, a 27-year-old man.
From The Sunday Gleaner's tour of the area, and the interviews of the residents, the following surfaced as factors that seem to underpin their crime-free community status:
Kindness. Residents say it is one of the factors that contribute to this type of community. Ms. Campbell substantiated this by relating an event that took place last Friday. A neighbour had friends visiting from abroad. She put on a party for them and community members came together and shared in this celebration.
A strong community council. That is the second factor that they say is the foundation for peace. Ms. Campbell said that they do not have a neighbourhood watch but used a community council instead. She described this body as a representative of the community serving its needs and solving problems. They meet once a month where suggestions for their continued development and problem solving are done. They'll even write to the Member of Parliament if there is the need to do so. A fee from each community member is collected and this fund is used among other things to buy and make treats for the children.
COMMUNITY CENTRE
A third factor is the activities that are held at the community centre. This is where the youths gather and share. There is one hinderance, however, and that is the size of the centre - it is too small.
The fourth factor is that of family ties. Most of the members of that community are related and have had longstanding family traditional values. Although the population of the community is small, the spirit of caring and sharing was evident.
Ms. Campbell was quick to point out that the community centre is not vandalise but was properly cared for by all. Currently some members are giving the centre a face-lift by painting it and this is done voluntarily by the residents.
