Christians fast and pray for change in Seaforth

Determined to see Seaforth in St Thomas return to being the peaceful community it has been for years, one local pastor and some of his congregants have gathered in the heart of the community for a week of fasting.

Noting that Seaforth has seen more than its fair share of crime and violence, Pastor Michael Hill, who ministers at the Faith Gospel Hall in the York area of Seaforth, said that he is not only focusing on spiritual enrichment, but is preaching for peace and the transformation of young lives.

"We have heard on the news how many murders have been committed in Seaforth recently. We came here and we prayed and spoke to the young people. It [violence] sort of died down a little but the tension is still there," Hill said. There was sparse activity in the square on Tuesday, but a few people going about their daily business cast fleeting glances at the members of the church delivering their message in front of a bar.

"Seaforth was a place when you come here no matter what time of the day you would see people on the streets. It's gradually coming back. There was a time in the recent past when you come here by 7:30 it is like a ghost town," Hill said.

Head of the St Thomas police, Superintendent Allison Byfield, said "The Seaforth area, compared to the rest of the parish, has always recorded most of the major crimes over the years". She, however, said that criminal activities in the area have been low in recent months.

Since the start of the year, St Thomas, according to data published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, has recorded 18 murders as at August 12. This represents a 40 per cent decline when compared to the 30 recorded during the corresponding period last year. The parish has recorded 18 shootings since the year.

Meanwhile, Hill believes targeting the youth is one way to bring about change in communities.

"We know that Christianity and Jesus are the primary focus but we have to look at the issue holistically. We are working with children, schools, parents and different agencies trying to see what we can do for young ones from the primary level, because grooming them from early is important," Hill said.

"We had a national gathering of 1,400 children at our location in Clarendon on a mentorship programme to aid in changing the perception of the children. They play out what they see in their communities and their homes. Most of them are coming from violent places and so they develop these traits and carry them out as adults," Hill said.

"We are praying and fasting because we know we can't do it on our own; the task is bigger than us," Hill added.