Mt Salem residents want to milk ZOSO fully
WESTERN BUREAU:
CLEARLY PLEASED with the stability that the zone of special operations (ZOSO) has brought to their community, some residents of Mt Salem in Montego Bay, St James, are quite pleased with the decision to extend the initiative by another 60 days, saying that it would allow for the implementation of the promised social intervention programmes.
“Oh yes, I am happy about it. Don’t you see we are now the safest community in St James today?” said Winsome Barnes, who spearheads a number of community projects in Mt Salem to include the popular Mt Salem Community Football League. “I wish I could find a way to bring some of this peace to the communities that are being plagued by violence.”
FIRST ZOSO
The ZOSO initiative, which started in Mt Salem on September 1, was slated to end on October 31 but was extended for another 60 days under the support of government and opposition lawmakers. Mt Salem was the first ZOSO to be declared in Jamaica.
While only five firearms and two alleged wanted men were found during the first 60 days of operation, Prime Minister Andrew Holness is commending the restoration of peace in the community and the willingness of residents to support initiatives to better their lives.
“To the extent that the preservation of life and the restoration of the community’s confidence in legitimate state structures were highlighted as being of the utmost importance, the Mount Salem zone should be considered a successful endeavour,” the prime minister said.
However, Barnes will not be satisfied until all the promises made with regard to the ZOSO social intervention component, which she believes will be key to sustaining a lasting peace, are implemented.
“I am working very closely with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) to ensure that all the promises that were made to the community are kept,” said Barnes.
“Now that the community is stable, it is time to address the social problems so that when the ZOSO finally ends, we can say we are a better community because of it.”