‘Southside nice again’ - Residents praise ZOSO for reducing crime in Kingston area

Once synonymous with fear, gun violence and nightly curfews - some imposed by the government, others by citizens - sections of Southside in Kingston Central are basking in what residents describe as a noticeable dip in crime and a gradual return to normal life.

"The crime rate low overall but wi a talk about Southside, dung ya so a get back nice" one resident told THE STAR, of the area which is oficially named Parade Gardens. Late last year, the police in Area Four, which covers Kingston Central, reported a near 50 per cent reduction in murders, with 177 murders recorded up to December 22, the lowest number in about 30 years.

On Sunday, two elderly men stood along Tower Street quietly observing - ironically - a nearby funeral procession. But they said this was different. They explained that years prior, people's lives were cut short by gun violence.

"[But] anybody a dead right now live long, and then dem get sick and dead, so crime down, trust me," one told THE STAR. Both men, who have lived in the area for more than 40 years, agreed that the atmosphere has changed.

"The place feels better. No crime. The place just nice," one said, noting that simply standing casually on the street without fear is a sign of progress. "The place is safer and wi alright. See wi not even a look out if nothing a fire, we good."

They also pointed to the return of community parties as another indicator of improved safety.

"One time, if five or six o'clock reach, everybody gone in. Now party a keep till morning hours," one explained.

They credited the improvement largely to the Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO), gesturing toward sections of the street that remain barricaded. The ZOSO was implemented in 2022.

"Mek it (the ZOSO) stay yah; it nuh fi move. Government must continue to fund it. Mek the soldiers stay inna the place instead a up a camp naa do nothing," one urged.

On nearby Fleet Street, another resident said the ZOSO has transformed daily life.

"Wi a give thanks for ZOSO because a it mek mi can even sit down out yah so and a talk," she said.

She recalled a frightening memory from the height of gang conflict between the Darksyde and Genahsyde gangs, when something as simple as going to a corner shop was life threatening.

"I remember bout four years ago, a Sunday like today, mi want piece a cabbage. Mi peep out first, then make a run, go back in, then run again til mi reach the shop, because it either mi dead or police bring mi go station," she said, now laughing at the memory.

In 2021, gang violence tightened its grip on Kingston Central with 79 killings recorded. Now the resident says the change in atmosphere is evident, as she pointed to the busy street.

"The place nice, everybody a go bout dem business and happy," she said, recalling that innocent lives have always been taken.

"I remember a lady sit down right out deh so and get shot in a turf war. But now, with ZOSO, nuff innocent lives a get protected." Still, the mother of four admitted that crime "go up and down".

Similarly, a resident on Barry Street also reported enjoying the renewed sense of peace, as he sat outside a corner shop "just a chill and hold a Sunday vibes".

"The place just feel better since ZOSO. People on the outside wouldn't understand. Wish dem could stay forever," he said, adding that frequent police patrols make a difference. The shopkeeper added that the improved security has also boosted business.

"Party dem start keep back. You need to come here on a Tuesday and see. Everybody relaxed and a party," she said. "The place nuh tense. DJs a come in, artistes too. Southside nice again man, people affi come see it fi dem self!"