Five communities to benefit from CREATE project

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), proudly announces the launch of the ‘Comm-Unity Resilience and Transformation’ (CREATE) Project, a groundbreaking US$2 million initiative aimed at strengthening community resilience and reducing crime and violence in targeted communities across Jamaica. The official launch event will take place on Monday, January 27, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Venetian Suite, The Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10.

Funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, over the next two years, the CREATE Project will focus on building resilience against crime and violence in the communities of Parade Gardens (Kingston), Majesty Gardens (St Andrew), Gregory Park (St Catherine), Norwood (St James), and Grange Hill (Westmoreland). This evidence-based, multi-stakeholder initiative will also implement strategic interventions to foster positive youth development, enhance citizen security, and strengthen local community networks.

The project includes four key components. First, it will renovate and expand community spaces such as community centres, sports fields, recreational areas, and homework centres, creating safe and productive environments for youth programmes and community activities. Second, it will provide tailored psychosocial, educational and professional development support services to youth and their families, helping them build resilience and access resources necessary for positive and productive lives.

PROJECT’S AIM

Third, local stakeholders will receive training to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design methodologies and other evidence-based crime prevention strategies. Last, the project will strengthen the capacity of community-based organisations to effectively manage renovated spaces, sustain ongoing crime prevention efforts, and advocate for their community’s development.

“Strong partnerships with government, civil society and the private sector along with evidence-based, strategic interventions that empower youth and create meaningful opportunities for their development are among the most effective methods for building safer communities. This project aims to transform both lives and communities, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve this goal,” said Kimberly Seymour Brown, project coordinator, CREATE.

The PADF and JCF are proud to embark on this critical journey to empower communities and enhance citizen security across Jamaica. CREATE will collaborate with existing initiatives such as Project STAR, and other youth crime and violence prevention projects to ensure synergy and maximise impact. By bringing together government, civil society, and local stakeholders, the CREATE Project seeks to inspire lasting change and create a brighter, safer future for all.