Salvation Army moves into western Kingston
Published:Friday | June 4, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
The Salvation Army yesterday moved to assist the people of west Kingston who are still struggling to return to normality a week after a bloody gun battle in that section of the capital.
With many residents displaced and food in short supply, The Salvation Army distributed 500 care packages to needy residents of Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens and neighbouring communities.
"We are giving foodstuff to these people who have been affected in one way or the other by the happenings of last week," Major Keith Graham, of the charity, told The Gleaner.
"We have considered that they have physical needs to be met and so we are here to assist in whatever way we can," Graham added, as he handed out bags with basic food items.
Welcome gesture
It was a gesture welcomed by many residents who had to be restrained by Jamaica Defence Force soldiers as they attempted to get to the distribution area.
Sixty-two-year-old Claire Reid was among those who applauded The Salvation Army.
"This is a good thing and I give thanks to the people who carry the food to us," said Reid, while sitting in her wheelchair.
Other residents accepted the packages but made it clear that receiving handouts was a blow to their pride and dignity.
"Me thank them still, but me don't like it. I have to take it because I cannot do better," one woman said as she examined a bag of food.
"Me hungry bad so me take it, but me want go back go hustle because me children have to go back to school Monday," said another woman.
Hundreds of residents of Tivoli Gardens and adjoining communities have been denied an opportunity to earn since Labour Day when the security forces started their operation in west Kingston. Movement was restricted, first by thugs who mounted barricades and then by soldiers and police using sweeping powers under a state of public emergency.
Those most affected operated stalls in and around Coronation Market which was damaged by fire - allegedly set by militiamen loyal to the on-the-run Christopher Coke - during days-long clashes.
Returning to normality
However, normality has started to return to sections of the market and by yesterday many sellers were seen in the facility with buyers trickling in.
The Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC), the city's municipal council, has promised that the market will be ready for full operation today despite the damaged sections.
Last weekend, market vendors who normally travel to Coronation sold their produce at Three Miles, close to the Portia Simpson Miller Square.
The KSAC has warned that no vending would be allowed at the makeshift market venue this weekend.
The People's National Party has, however, criticised the Coronation reopening, arguing that alternative facilities such as those at the D.C. Tavares Market on Spanish Town Road should be utilised.
"We agree that the congestion in the area of the Portia Simpson Miller Square is untenable and needs to be urgently addressed. However, the level of work that still needs to be done at Coronation Market makes it practically impossible for the vendors to return there," Opposition Spokesman for Local Government and Community Development, Colin Fagan, said last night.