Glenroy Sinclair and Dionne Rose, Gleaner Writers

One entrance to St. William Grant Park in downtown Kingston. There have been several reported cases of rape in the park in recent times. - File

Shortly after she met and spoke with her father at a bus stop in West Parade, downtown Kingston, 14-year-old Alicia Brown (not her real name) was held up at gunpoint and raped inside the St. William Grant Park on Tuesday night.

One week ago, a woman was abducted from the park and taken to the nearby Mark Lane area where she, too, was raped. Reports are that she was sitting in the park with her boyfriend when they were surprised by two gunmen who robbed her boyfriend before taking her away.

During the last two weeks, two other women returning home from work were also held up and raped inside the park. The rapes usually take place early mornings and late evenings.

A spokesperson at the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) said the centre had knowledge of at least two cases which it is currently pursuing.

According to the police, sections of the park have been in darkness for sometime and as a result has been transformed into a haven for robbers and rapists. A spokesperson at the Kingston Central Police Station told The Gleaner that the have been patrolling the area, but each time they enter the park, phone calls are made to inform the criminals of their presence.

In the meantime, the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), which has responsibility for the maintenance of the park was unaware of the existing conditions.

Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, said he had no knowledge that there were no lights in the park.

"No honestly, I was not aware of it," I will have to check it tomorrow (today) and ask the city engineer to find out exactly why there are no lights in the park," said Mayor McKenzie.

He stressed that work is set to commence on the park early next year. The mayor disclosed that Cabinet had signed off on and awarded contracts to rehabilitate the facility.

"The only reason work has not started is because we don't want to disrupt the Christmas tree lighting ceremony (scheduled for next month). Work is being mobilised to commence the first week in January," McKenzie said.

What used to be a place where just about anybody could go, sit and relax, has become a danger zone, especially for females. Apart from the crime, the relevant authorities have allowed the park to deteriorate. It is now in a run down state.

Located in the centre of downtown Kingston, the park was named in honour of the 1930s labour leader, William Grant, who was an associate of the former Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante. The park was previously known as Victoria Park in honour of Queen Victoria of England, but after Independence the name was changed.

Inside the park are several monuments, the principal one being that of Queen Victoria. To the north of the park is the statue of National Hero Norman Manley and to the south is the statue of Sir Alexander Bustamante, also a National Hero.