J$36.8m boost for community spaces

Four community spaces in violence-prone communities are to undergo renovation under a J$36.8-million initiative aimed at strengthening community safety, expanding opportunities for at-risk youth and supporting violence-prevention efforts.

The Community Space Renovation Initiative, scheduled to be officially launched tomorrow, is being implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The initiative forms part of the Comm-Unity Resilience and Transformation (CREATE) Project, which is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

The Parade Gardens Community Centre, Majesty Gardens Multipurpose Court, Norwood Community Centre and Grange Hill Multipurpose Court are to be renovated under the programme.

The upgraded facilities are expected to provide safe and accessible spaces for young people to participate in structured recreational, educational and community activities.

The project is also intended to reduce risk factors associated with youth involvement in crime, gangs and violence by increasing access to positive activities and strengthening community connections.

Kimberly Seymour Brown, project coordinator for CREATE, said the initiative would have benefits beyond the physical improvements to the facilities.

“By renovating these spaces, we are creating environments that encourage positive youth engagement, strengthen community connections, and provide constructive alternatives that help reduce young people’s involvement in crime and violence. Through the CREATE Project, we are investing not only in infrastructure, but also in the people, partnerships, and opportunities that help communities become safer, more connected, and better equipped to support young people.”

The CREATE Project combines Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles with psychosocial support, case management, workforce-readiness programmes, and community-engagement interventions.

The broader initiative seeks to reduce factors that may contribute to young people becoming involved in gangs and other criminal activities while expanding pathways to education, employment and positive civic participation.

According to PADF, residents were consulted during the development of the renovation programme, to ensure that the facilities reflect the priorities of the communities they serve.

The designs will incorporate CPTED principles, including improved lighting, enhanced visibility and better access, to encourage greater use of the spaces while helping to deter criminal activity.