Stronger Together: Community Partnerships Advancing Safety in Area Three

Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
Sep 15
3 min read

United for Safer Communities

On the second Thursday of each month, Serenity Resource Connector (SRC), in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Area Three, brings the nation together for a compelling discussion on safety and security. Sponsored by National Self-Serve Wholesale in May Pen, Clarendon, this month’s live forum honed in on a vital message: "We are stronger together." The session focused on how strategic collaboration across youth, business and law enforcement can transform communities across Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth.

Forum Highlights: How Community Partnerships Drive Change

1. Policing Through Community Partnership – Sergeant Deane Cover

Sergeant Deane Cover from the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) in Area Three set the tone by reaffirming that partnerships are the heartbeat of effective policing.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake, Area Three has seen a 40% reduction in serious crimes, attributed to united efforts.
Strategic support from groups such as Police Youth Clubs (PYCs), Business Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Farmers Watch has played a significant role.
Clarendon Business Watch and Bishop Gibson High School PYC were acknowledged as exemplary models.

Sergeant Cover also highlighted successful summer youth camps, supported by HEART/NSTA Trust, where hundreds of young Jamaicans received both mentorship and skills certification.

"Partnership is not optional – it's essential. The results speak for themselves." – Sgt. Deane Cover

2. Youth Leadership – Dantonique Schloss, President, Bishop Gibson High PYC

Representing the youth, Dantonique Schloss passionately shared how Police Youth Clubs are empowering students to become future leaders:

PYCs offer a safe, welcoming space for students to build confidence, develop leadership and communication skills and participate in community service.
Through inclusive club activities, students learn to own their roles, contribute meaningfully, and foster belonging.

"Being part of the PYC has helped me find my voice. I can now speak publicly, confidently, and passionately." – Dantonique Schloss

3. Business Engagement – Sherika Gibson-Evans, Clarendon Business Watch

Business owners are also stepping beyond profit to protect the places they operate in. Sherika Gibson-Evans, Secretary of the Clarendon Business Watch, outlined the benefits of business-police collaboration:

The WhatsApp alert system ensures rapid communication between business owners and the police.
Monthly meetings with law enforcement provide real-time updates on crime trends, fraud prevention and infrastructure needs.
Suggestions were made for future collaboration, including charitable outreach, youth mentorship and school engagement to help uplift communities.

"Safety is a shared responsibility. Our businesses thrive best when our communities feel secure." – Sherika Gibson-Evans

Roundtable Reflections: A Unified Front

As the forum concluded, all speakers reiterated the value of partnership. Whether through schools, neighbourhood associations, or WhatsApp groups, the goal remains the same: creating a Jamaica where safety, trust and unity coexist.

Business Watch groups are encouraged to partner with PYCs on mentorship and skills development.
Police continue to expand their reach through the G.R.A.P.E. programme, No Gang Violence in Schools initiative, and community walk-throughs.
Viewers were encouraged to reactivate dormant community groups and play active roles in shaping their communities.

Call to Action: Get Involved

Stronger communities are built when every citizen plays their part. Here's how you can contribute:

Join or start a Police Youth Club, Business Watch, or Neighbourhood Watch in your area.
Support school-based initiatives and become a mentor to local youth.
Participate in monthly community meetings hosted by JCF Area Three.
Report suspicious activity using 119, 311, or 811.