The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the US Embassy in Kingston, launched the Comm-Unity Resilience and Transformation (CREATE) project, a two-year US$2 million initiative aimed at strengthening community security and reducing crime and violence in five high-risk communities across Jamaica.

Funded by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the CREATE Project will target Parade Gardens (Kingston), Majesty Gardens (St. Andrew), Gregory Park (St. Catherine), Norwood (St. James), and Grange Hill (Westmoreland) – communities historically impacted by high levels of poverty, crime, and violence.

The multi-stakeholder project, officially launched on May 15 at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, will implement strategic interventions to provide at-risk youth with positive alternatives, reducing their vulnerability to gang recruitment, organised crime and other illicit activities.

According to officials, the CREATE initiative will foster deeper partnerships between Jamaican law enforcement and local communities, building trust and improving joint efforts to strengthen local community networks through the engagement of local leaders and residents and implementing sustainable crime prevention methodologies.

CREATE will deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to community resilience and citizen security by:

• Renovating and securing community spaces such as youth centres and recreational areas to deter criminal activity and offer positive alternatives.
• Providing targeted interventions for at-risk youth and families, equipping them with skills and opportunities to build safer, more stable lives.
• Training local stakeholders in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and other proven prevention strategies.
• Strengthening community safety networks to manage public spaces, sustain prevention efforts, and advocate for local needs.

Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Amy Tachco said, “Today’s launch of CREATE builds on previous collaborative efforts between the US government and the people of Jamaica. Through specialised training and the provision of resources, we are supporting Jamaica’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat gangs, including by steering at-risk youth away from organised crime and toward activities that build up their community and their character.”

“This project is about more than reducing crime—it’s about transforming lives,” said Kimberly Seymour Brown, project coordinator for CREATE. “By working together—government, civil society, private sector, and communities—we can build a safer, stronger Jamaica where youth are empowered, and opportunities replace violence.” CREATE will collaborate with existing initiatives such as Project STAR and other youth crime and violence prevention projects, leveraging partnerships to maximise impact and ensure sustainable change.