Building safer communities requires more than law enforcement.

It requires sustained investment in people, partnerships and public spaces that create opportunities for young people and strengthen the communities they call home.

That was the central message at the launch of the Community Space Renovation Initiative under the Comm-Unity Resilience and Transformation (CREATE) Project last Friday, where government officials, law enforcement leaders and development partners underscored the importance of addressing the social conditions that contribute to crime while expanding opportunities within communities.

Implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the initiative will transform the Parade Gardens Community Centre, Majesty Gardens Multipurpose Court, Norwood Community Centre and Grange Hill Multipurpose Court into safe, functional spaces that support crime prevention, youth development, recreation and community engagement.

Speaking at the launch, Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Charmine Shand, who heads the JCF’s Community Safety and Security Branch, said crime prevention must be supported by investments that address the conditions contributing to violence.

“Community safety is fundamentally a development issue requiring integrated, evidence-based and multi-sectoral responses,” she said. “Contemporary policing has evolved beyond the traditional paradigm of enforcement alone. We cannot do this by ourselves. International research consistently demonstrates that sustainable reductions in crime are achieved when effective law enforcement is complemented by strategic investment in education, employment, community engagement and social inclusion.”

Project Coordinator for CREATE, Kimberly Seymour Brown shared that the initiative combines Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) with psychosocial support, workforce readiness, case management and community engagement to address the underlying factors associated with youth involvement in crime and violence. Once completed, the upgraded facilities will accommodate youth clubs, sports programmes, mentorship initiatives, homework support, parenting sessions, health fairs, skills training and community meetings.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang said the initiative represents an investment in communities and the partnerships needed to support long-term public safety.

“Today we’re not just launching a project. We’re strengthening a shared example of safer communities and a more peaceful Jamaica.”

For President of the Majesty Gardens Community Development Committee Jahiem Mitchell, the project also recognises the importance of working with communities rather than simply working in them. He said PADF spent time engaging residents before construction began, building trust through consultation and collaboration.

Describing the renovated multipurpose court as a central meeting place for the community, Mitchell said the investment is “a gift that we will treasure” and “a continuation of great things to come to Majesty Gardens.”

Construction will be carried out over seven months in two phases. Phase One will focus on the Parade Gardens Community Centre and the Majesty Gardens Multipurpose Court, while Phase Two will deliver upgrades to the Norwood Community Centre and the Grange Hill Multipurpose Court.