Officials of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS) in the Ministry of National Security, along with community leaders and members of the CEO Network, visited parts of the Farm Road and Centreville community yesterday as part of a joint initiative called 'United Against Crime'.  The initiative proposes the use of former gang leaders, who are now community leaders, by government in the fight to reverse the rising crime, violence and social disorder that is impacting the country.
"They (community leaders) represent men who have a depth of experience in crime, [and in recognizing] that they have contributed to the social decay in our country, they have offered themselves to be a part of the solution," said CEO Network president Deborah Bartlett yesterday.  "Anytime you want to clean up an area from anything that represents rebellion you must start with the environment."
The Ministry of National Security is seeking to inspire the people of all communities to take ownership of their personal, family and community responsibilities, said Bartlett.  She told The Nassau Guardian yesterday that the Ministry of National Security has also been taking time over the last 11 months to develop United Against Crime based on requests from various community leaders for more opportunities, instead of handouts.  She added that poor living conditions is a large contributing factor to the increasing crime levels.  In order to successfully address this issue more community involvement is needed, she noted.
Sunlight Cottage and Toote Shop Corner both have dilapidated cars, piles of garbage and debris and a number of uncleared drains, which have added to the frustrations of area residents, according to Troy Symonette, a member of United Against Crime.
Director of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS) Captain Godfrey Rolle commented that the government alone cannot address crime without the involvement of the community.  He added that the inner community leaders met with National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest in recent months
"I am enthused by the efforts I have seen from community leaders already and I invite corporate citizens, individuals and institutions to [contribute] to the initiative," he said.
Verdell Cargill, a resident of Farm Road, expressed that she was extremely concerned about the amount of garbage that has built up in the community, despite having placed her garbage outside for collection some three weeks prior, as did many other residents.
"My main concerns are the amount of garbage, the roaches and the mosquitoes that are around, especially considering the threat of dengue fever," she said yesterday in front of her home.  "It was like this during the passing of Hurricane Irene and it's still like this now," said Cargill.

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