Businessman on mission to bring back the love to Trench Town

The words 'Bring Back the Love' are painted with bright colours on the wall of a tavern owned by 69-year-old Michael Gayle in Trench Town, Kingston.

For Gayle, Bring Back the Love is more than just mere words. It represents his desire to see a transformation in the Kingston 13 community that has been plagued by violence. The Trench Town native said that he longs for things to return to the way they were when he was growing up there.

"It was a lot more different and peaceful when I was growing up. We had a lot of activities and games to participate in, but nowadays we don't see the children doing any of these things. I want to see Collie Smith Drive go back to the good old days, man," he said.

"We really need to bring back the love and peace. We need the youths dem to grow up without the violence. My aim is get things happening again for the community. We opened this tavern approximately two years ago, when the place was acting up. I wanted it to become an avenue for peace and was hoping that the name of the tavern itself will send a message of love and unity to the youths," he said.

Last year, the tranquillity in Trench Town was interrupted by episodes of violence that caused the lives of a number of residents. So horrific was the turmoil that some residents packed their bags and fled the area. As Gayle spoke about his dream for the area, several residents nod their head in agreement. He said that the need to bring back the love to Trench Town is shared by the vast majority of the residents.

"Both the young and the old will come here and just have a drink, lyme and enjoy themselves. That in itself means a lot to me, so for me, it is not just about making an extra dollar. I want the peace to reign so outsiders will feel comfortable coming. So far, we haven't had much outsiders coming here, but we are working on that. The youths just need guidance," Gayle said.