ZOSO Communities Beg For Military Presence To Stay

Parliament is expected to debate on the extension of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) in Mount Salem, August Town, Denham Town and Greenwich Town on Tuesday.

CVM LIVE visited the communities in Kingston and St. Andrew earlier today, to observe the changes in citizen security and community development since the enhanced security measures were declared in the communities.

Residents in August Town say the ZOSOs have slowed down gang violence in the community. August Town was declared a Zone Of Special Operation on July 8, 2020.

In Bryce Hill, which is known as the community square, it was business as usual.

With checkpoints strategically  established at the entrance of the community which only has one way in and out, residents say they are not afraid. 

However, the residents say they worry for those who live deep in the trenches of August Town, where the river runs. 

Additionally, the residents are calling for more Police Operations within the space instead of stationary checkpoints.

To add, CVM LIVE also visited Greenwich Town where residents had the same sentiments.

The residents are pleading to the Government to extend Military presence in the community. Greenwich Town was declared a Zone Of Special Operations on July 1, 2020. With the measures expected to end until October 31, 2020.

Also, in Denham Town, which has the longest running ZOSO, the residents are begging for the military presence to stay.

The main goal of the ZOSO is social intervention and evidence of that exists. There has been zinc fence removal projects, road construction and job opportunities through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund.

But after three years, the behavioral attitudes of the community have seemingly not changed, gun men brazenly carrying out attacks just meters away from checkpoints.

The community was rocked by a triple murder on September 20.

There are no active Police Youth Clubs and the Community- Police relationship is strained.  

CVM LIVE’s Jamaila Maitland reports: