‘We need back we Christmas’
Despite temporary relief, Sunlight Street not optimistic SOE will bring end to dark times
ALTHOUGH AN increase in patrols by the security forces gave them some relief as they were no longer forced to confine themselves in their homes in fear of marauding gunmen, residents of Sunlight Street in Kingston Western are tempering their expectations regarding the newly imposed state of emergency (SOE) in the area.
On Sunday, Kingston Western was one of seven police divisions islandwide to be blanketed by SOEs as the Government tries to put a lid on murders.
One resident told The Gleaner that since the measures were implemented on Sunday, a sense of calm was already beginning to creep into Kingston Western, where 100 murders had been recorded this year, according to police data up to last Saturday.
“You can get a proper sleep. You get more free-handed because in certain area, we as woman, we can head out,” she explained, pointing out that she had feared walking along certain streets due to gang warfare.
Similarly, she said, the children in the area were happy with the presence of the soldiers and cops, especially in light of a recent incident in which gunmen opened gunfire at a taxi travelling along Francis Lane.
HEIGHTENED FEAR
The incident, which resulted in the injury of someone close to her, had heightened fear in the community.
Another 54-year-old resident, whose 18-year-old nephew was recently shot in the hand and leg, said that her confidence in such security measures was wavering.
“Sometime police can’t stop nothing,” said the woman, who was born and raised in the area.
She said that she, along with her relatives, was yearning for the day the long-standing violence problem and the reign of dons in the area would end for good, adding that the frequent gun battles had left many children traumatised.
Since the most recent upsurge in violence, the children have not been able to play cricket with their peers or with the police officers who would normally stop by and engage them in friendly matches.
Such interactions, she pointed out, were greatly welcomed by residents, but thugs have disrupted the peace, leaving residents to again yearn for a return to calm.
“Right ya now is modern time and dem young youth ya now dem say dirt! As soon as the curfew up, it gone back to square one again,” she said, making it clear she was not expecting the current peace to hold.
BATTLE LINES
Sunlight Street is known to have internal strife among residents who live at opposite ends of the community with battle lines preventing them from venturing into opposing territory.
“We need back we community weh we used to,” another resident chimed in.
With Christmas approaching, they are especially looking forward to an atmosphere to allow them to celebrate and make merry. Plans for treats for the children are still in the planning stages.
“Mi hear the likkle pickney dem up the road a talk, ‘How we gonna get our cake and balloon?’,” she said.“We need back we Christmas. We want back we community.”
One resident pointed to malfunctioning street lights as a problem in the area, facilitating cover for criminals to roam and attack after dark.
This, she said, could also pose a challenge to policing.
The residents are calling for the intervention of Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie, who is also the local government minister, to assist in having the lights repaired.