Lockdown! - Denham Town residents sceptical about state of emergency

Yesterday, scores of children flocked the Kiddies Village at the Love is the Answer ZOSO Expo and Concert held at the Denham Town Community Centre. This is a welcomed change for the inner-city community that has been under the watchful eyes of the security forces for the past several months. Although the children frolicked around and participated in various activities, some adults remained sceptical about the state of emergency (SOE) that was declared within the embattled community yesterday.

"Nothing nuh change as far as me concerned because a months ZOSO (Zone of Special Operations) deh here, and di Garden (Tivoli Gardens) man dem eat we food like rice grain. Me just a keep my eyes open same way because me still nuh feel safe no matter what," a resident of Nelson Street told the news team.

According to another resident of the west Kingston community, there are still a number of loopholes that need to be fixed.

"Them say a fi a next 14 days, so me a go watch and see because for a minute me convince say the police dem did a take side. But me see dem start dig up over Garden and ting. Me hope is not a next lazy set a solider dem bring down here because nuff a dem nah do no work. Dem just move like dem wah make a baby factory down here because a bare gal dem wah breed off. Me just want the killing fi stop, and me good," he said.

FULLY AWARE

Acting Superintendent of Police Dahlia Garrick told THE STAR that she has listened to the residents' concerns.

"We can reassure them that our presence will be maintained, and we will respect the human rights. As with all our other SOE, we will ensure that we engage the citizens and let them be fully aware that our presence is there to re-enhance their security and safety," she said.

In addition to Denham Town, the areas covered by the state of emergency include Oakland Road, sections of Waltham Park Road, Delamere Avenue, Delacree Road, Maxfield Avenue, Rosseau Road, Lyndhurst Road, and Studio One Boulevard.

It also extends to Slipe Road, heading to Orange Street, Harbour Street, Ocean Boulevard, Marcus Garvey Drive, sections of Greenwich Park, Tivoli Gardens, Lizard Town, and includes sections of Spanish Town Road.

Up to press time last evening, the security forces seized three firearms, and more than 100 persons were picked up for processing.