August Town records show decrease in crime, violence

Liaison officer for the University of the West Indies Township Programme and August Town resident Kenneth Wilson says the St Andrew community has seen a drastic reduction in crime and violence.

UWI officials hope to continue this partnership and, for the second year, have united with August Town community groups and the Area Youth Foundation for the UWI-August Town Integration Month.

Heavy rainfall slowed the start of the celebrations which were intended for October 1.

Instead, the activities will begin on Thursday. They include sporting competitions, a kiddies' fair and expo, gospel concerts and an awards ceremony for outstanding citizens. A special march through the community and a repeat of a pledge for peace will initiate October's programme.

Commitment to work

The pledge symbolises the community's commitment to work with law enforcement and a respect for the peace treaty signed among gangs across the large community which includes African Garden, Bedward Gardens, Hermitage and others.

Officials from the UWI said four persons have been killed in the community since the start of the year.

"We really have a lot to give thanks for, especially the level of peace; we are pleased at the level of cooperation the police are receiving from the community," said Wilson. With just over two months left in the year, he said he was hopeful that the figure would remain stagnant.

August Town is home to 15,000 residents and is mere minutes away from the UWI, Mona.

Olivene Burke, project manager for the programme, said the university was committed to maintaining progressive relations with the community and that its interactions must be based on equality and mutual respect.

Working with them

"We don't believe in working 'for them' but rather working 'with them' to improve their community," said Burke.

She also pointed to the repair work the university had made on several of the nine basic schools and three primary schools in the community. She noted the role UWI students had played in these repairs through the Quality Leadership Programme in the Office of Students Services and Development.

Burke said the UWI was focused on six specific areas of engagement: education, health, crime and violence prevention, culture and sports, skills training and entrepreneurship.

With regard to education, the university awards five full scholarships to August Town residents. The scholars are selected by the community and must maintain at least a 'B' average.