'No more pi-pi a nights' ... Denham Town residents exhale during fun run

From youngsters to the elderly, scores of persons came out to participate in a fun run held in the Denham Town Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) yesterday afternoon.

The runners warmed up for the 3-kilometre race to the sounds of high-tempo dancehall, soca, and gospel music. When the race got on the way, loud applauds could be heard and confetti filled the air as onlookers on the sidewalks, on top of high-rise buildings, and others who stuck out their heads through windows cheered and shouted encouragement.

Fay,76, was among those watching the race.

"A Nelson street mi a come from and buck up in this and mi glad fi it cause it is a good thing fi the community. Everybody can come out and enjoy themselves and it bring them together both community members and security forces," she told THE STAR.

She said that she would want to see more events of this kind held in the community, but was concerned that joint forces would soon be leaving.

"A donkey years mi live dung yah, although mi neva born yah, but this nice and since the police and solider come down here, mi no hear no pi-pi a night time," Fay added.

VIBES CORNERS

The race was executed to build peace in the war-torn inner-city community and to improve the relationship between the police and the citizens. A feature of the event was the establishment of vibes corners, which saw water stops being transformed into energetic stops.

Recognising that partying is important to the residents of Denham Town, the joint security forces in the ZOSO have committed to allowing the corner with the best vibe during Sunday's race to host a major activity during the festive season.

Easy Scream corner, which is located at the intersection of Wellington and Nelson streets, was named the top vibes corner in Denham Town, paving the way for them to host a party in the festive season.

Yesterday, Sandra said she was just happy to be close to the action to soak up the excitement.

"Mi deh inna mi house and mi say mi affi come out yah cause mi hear bout it and mi love the vibes," she said.

Even the winner of the race, Deighton Nicholas said he was pleased with the atmosphere in the Denham Town ZOSO.

"I am kind of surprised. I really love the vibes down here ... Mi neva expect it fi be like this," the 22-year-old Mico University student athlete, who is from Harbour View, east Kingston, told THE STAR.