Determined to curb the lawlessness that resulted in 48 murders last year, the Hanover police recently spearheaded a bold initiative in collaboration with several government agencies.
The one-day event, held in the Green Island policing area – which accounted for 23 of last year’s murders – aimed to foster unity and crime reduction.
The police team, led by Superintendent Andrew Nish, the police commander for Hanover, included members of the Hanover Police Community Safety and Security Branch, representatives from the HEART/NSTA Trust, Restorative Justice, the Victim Services Unit, the Ministry of Health, and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency.
“I believe today’s initiative is a significant step forward. It’s a great day for the Hanover Police Division, the people of Green Island, and especially the communities within the Logwood area,” Nish said during the event, dubbed Logwood Comes Alive, which was hosted at the Logwood Community Centre.
Nish expressed appreciation for the warm reception from residents, stating that the community had been requesting such an initiative for a long time.
“The community has been begging for this type of engagement, but crime and violence previously made it impossible. Now that crime is at a more manageable level, this is the perfect time to foster stronger ties with residents,” he said.
The superintendent urged residents to partner with the police, assuring them that law enforcement would continue working to make the parish safer. Demonstrating their commitment, police personnel and representatives from various agencies actively engaged with residents in football and netball matches, as well as domino and Ludo competitions, with prizes awarded to participants.
Floyd Lewis, president of the Logwood Community Development Committee (LCDC), praised the initiative, highlighting its positive impact on community development.
“We must acknowledge the challenges hindering our progress as a community,” he said, noting that violence and division had cast an unwelcome shadow over Logwood.
“Too many of us live in fear, and there is growing distrust among neighbours. If we don’t unite to address these issues, we will never realise our community’s full potential,” he added.
Lewis emphasised the need to rise above these challenges and reclaim the pride and unity that once defined Logwood.
“This partnership with the Hanover Police allows us to create sustainable programmes that benefit everyone – from our youth to our elders. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter for our community,” he stated.
Tamika Davis, member of Parliament for Hanover Western, fully endorsed the initiative, emphasising that it should serve as a clear indication that the police are invested in the well-being of the community.
“We have moved past the days of seeing the police as the ‘bad ones’. They are our partners in building a safer community. If we work together, only good things can come from this collaboration,” Davis said, welcoming the recent reduction in crime in the parish.
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