Singers make pitch for peace

SUSTAINED SOCIAL intervention, public education exercise and direct support from the State and corporate Jamaica in crime-prone areas have been strongly recommended by two leading entertainers as measures to help transform battered west Kingston communities.

Reggae performer Queen Ifrica, born Ventrice Morgan, yesterday urged the authorities to introduce and maintain social initiatives that would help troubled areas.

Her colleague, Patrick Barrett, better known as Tony Rebel, also emphasised the need for more tangible support from the private sector to create increased opportunities.

Queen Ifrica, who was making a presentation to the Human and Resources Development Committee in Gordon House, said that both the security forces and residents suffered in the recent Tivoli Gardens incursion.

She said there were people in these communities who were "bitter" for various reasons.

"To say that we are going to pick up the pieces and move along, to where and to what?" she questioned.

The entertainer, who is widely respected for her positive lyrical content, said the authorities should work closely with the residents to build trust.

According to Queen Ifrica, failure to take appropriate steps to develop and provide assistance to affected communities could lead to far greater challenges in another 10 years.

Rebel with a cause

Tony Rebel shared with the committee an initiative led by a group of entertainers in a particular community to stem bloodshed.

He said following the intervention, nobody was killed in that area for two years.

The popular entertainer said the group carried out fund-raising activities for the benefit of this community.

"We were asking for help from the people in the area, and a bank gave us $2,000, and I personally sent it back," he said.

After extended support from the group of entertainers, the project eventually fizzled because of a lack of financial and other help from businesses in the area.