Football For Peace in Central Kingston, Growth

After being labeled a “gang captured’ area, the residents of Central Kingston have turned to sports in an effort to bring back peace to their communities. After being named one of the areas contributing to Jamaica’s growing crime rate, the residents of Central Kingston have united to host a community football competition, in an effort to rebuild peace and order.

Central Kingston has recently been declared a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO), as the police blame gang violence for the crime surge. Since then, residents say they feel much safer and are now vowing to reclaim their communities from the gangsters. 

The resident says the area has unfortunately been redefined as a crime spot. However, he notes several esteemed local football players have emerged from the space. Kingston Mayor Delroy Williams, who also took part in the event, says the initiative is a step in the right direction.  More details in this report:

Reporter: Velonique Bowen