Biblical Streets: Residents want back old Luke Lane

Residents of Luke Lane say they long for the day when it will regain its status as a fun, united community in the heart of Jamaica's capital city.

"Round here so used to be party central. It was like a meeting place for everyone on holidays or after work. People used to gamble from morning till night, but now, as 4:30 p.m., people gone lock up cause dem nuh waah see or hear anything," a female resident told The STAR.

"I remember when I could leave my house open and go sleep, but if me ever try that now, all the paint them would scrape and thief off the wall. Nuh order no deh a Luke Lane again," she added.

An elderly man reminisced on the days when Luke Lane was the place to be in Kingston.

"It may sound a way, but 30 years ago, Luke Lane was a residential area. People go and come as they like, and everything was just peaceful. Mi live right here so, and a years me nuh go down the road. Mi just want it to go back to where it was," he said.

Residents are fearful to disclose their names or even be photographed. A bitter feud between factions in Luke Lane has created unease and distrust among residents.

"We no have the best housing down here, but we no have the worst, either, so me naah complain about that. It is sad to know you live somewhere and the one lane divide inna four. How mi fi live up here so and a look down a me neighbour yard and can't venture down there?" a seemingly concerned man asked in hushed tones.