Residents of ‘Tel Aviv’ want lasting peace

Although residents of 'Tel Aviv' in central Kingston are able to breathe easier now that the constant staccato of gunfire no longer forms a part of their daily lives, they are still hopeful for a day when their community may undergo a total social transformation.

"Round here nah gwan. No form of transformation nah tek place. Gunshot stop fire, yes, because police and soldier deh in here and nobody nuh wah get catch. But that's not a transformation, that's a ceasefire," a female resident voiced. Her sentiments were echoed by other frustrated residents, who believe more social investment in the community that is stifled by gang conflict will be able to make the difference.

"We want so much more. We would love for the community to be as one, nobody nah fi 'fraid fi walk from one road to the other. [I want us] fi help each other inna the 'realest' way and nah fi a hurry go inside when night come because we nuh wah get shoot up. The way how we affi a live, it nuh healthy," a male resident reasoned.

They added that criminals have traded guns for knives, as there have been stabbings, affrays and verbal confrontations despite the security measures. Shopkeepers and business operators are also affected, as they are forced to shutter their establishments by dusk for their safety. Entertainment events, for the most part, have been halted.

"The Kingston Central police see say things stay real bad, so them give a little pass for round robins to keep, but you affi get your permit. It is really bad for us around here because you still a live pon edge, always affi deh pon guard 'round here. You never know what can happen," the female resident shared with the news team.

"Anybody weh say 'round here transformed, need fi come in here and see how we a live. The condition of the community [is] far, very far from being transformed. We want more, we caah continue fi live so. The place look depressing, everybody 'fraid. We need more fi say we transformed," they demanded.