Project STAR impacting lives in vulnerable places

The Police say the community of Salt Spring in St James is continuing to see a significant decline in violent crime, with no murders or shootings recorded in the community since the start of 2026. Deputy Superintendent of Police Rodrick Reid, acting operations officer for the St James Police Division, said the improvement reflects years of sustained collaboration between residents and law enforcement in an area once considered unsafe.

This newspaper has repeatedly applauded efforts at community organisation and development at lower socio-economic levels. We have felt particularly uplifted by the work of the private sector-driven Project Star, which anecdotal evidence suggests is having significant impact in targeted urban and rural areas. We hear that positives include building trust between the authorities — not least the police — and ordinary folk. This hold much potential in the mission to reduce crime and engender a greater sense of good order and well-being.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a significant reduction in crime in Kingston Central Division, with police confirming zero violent incidents since the start of the year in communities such as Rose Gardens. According to a release from Project STAR, the update was shared at its town hall meeting at Pentab High School, where Divisional Commander Superintendent Mishka Forbes described the achievement as a major turnaround for an area once plagued by persistent violence.