Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

The peace between the March Pen and Corletts Road communities in Spanish Town grew stronger last week with a "peace football match" held at the Corletts Road playfield.

The initiative was part of the newly formed March Pen/Corletts Road Community Development Committee's effort to maintain good relations between two communities notorious for bloody spells of violence. It was another effort following the 'March Pen Road Truce', and a church service for 'Peace and Unity' in July of this year.

One March Pen Road resident, Paul, aka Leather, said: "You know the history of this place and where we are coming from. Suh, I have to support every positive thing that happens in the community."

The Social Development Commission (SDC) was the first agency to intervene in the conflict between the then warring factions, according to field officer Barrington Mighton.

He said the SDC organised the game and added: "The fact that these youths are actually engaged in physical but friendly contact is a huge achievement."

The event also served as an opportunity for residents and the Ministry of Education and Youth to discuss academic concerns and, as such, programmes through which persons could achieve social development were discussed.