THE WORK and worth of the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP), as well as supporting agencies and community groups, in uplifting the community of Russia in Westmoreland, have received commendation from a top police officer in that parish.

Egbert Parkins, deputy superintendent of police in charge of territorial operations in Westmoreland, was speaking at a recently concluded capacity building workshop for leaders and potential leaders from the community of Russia.

In heaping praise on the CSJP, he said the time has come for the negative crime-based stigma which has been attached to Russia to be removed.

Parkins, who has been playing a major role in the maintenance of peace in the community and rebuilding the relationship between the residents and the police, said, "In a parish where crime has shown an increase over the past year, crime in Russia has taken a nosedive. This has resulted in the community members being able to go about their business without fear."

Pointing to examples of how the community has been transformed, Parkins said, "In 2008, there were nine major crimes in Russia, including five murders, while up to the 15th of November, the six major crimes which have been reported do not include murders. This is due mainly to the collaborative approach taken to uplift the community by agencies, such as the CSJP, the SDC and the police. We have seen marked improvement in the transformation of the community."

Umemployment still an issue

Parkins remains concerned, however, that residents of the community are unable to obtain jobs in the business sector in Westmoreland in general and Savanna-la-Mar, in particular.

"This is a major cause for concern as residents of Russia are citizens with needs, and these can only be met if they are gainfully employed. What we have seen is that the business community has refused to employ these people, simply because of where they are from. The community members are unhappy with this stance, and I am therefore calling on the business sector to stop the practice of discrimination."

Meanwhile, the Social Development Commission (SDC) is expressing commendation to CSJP for the partnership which has been forged between the two entities. Community Development Officer for the SDC with responsibility for Russia, Nadian Anderson said the transformation took place under a special programme among all the stakeholders.

According to Anderson, "The community wanted peace and development, and CSJP was among the first entities to literally put its money where its mouth was and joined hands with the SDC, PMI (Peace Management Initiative), the police and the residents. We have had consultations, capacity building workshops, an opportunity fair and a community football league. In addition we have done the community profile which is pointing us towards solutions for the challenges which the community members face."

'In a parish where crime has shown an increase over the past year, crime in Russia has taken a nosedive. This has resulted in the community members being able to go about their business without fear.'