A remarkable transformation is unfolding across Salt Spring and neighboring communities in St James, where growing trust in the police force is steadily reshaping daily life.
Speaking during the monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday, Councilor Charles Harris shared the shift he’s been witnessing firsthand.
“Everywhere I visit — from citizens’ associations to community groups — the feedback is clear: the police are winning back the people’s trust,” Harris reported. “Residents feel significantly safer than before, and there’s a renewed confidence in our law enforcement.”
Once plagued by frequent incidents of violence, Salt Spring has long been associated with contributing heavily to St James’ crime statistics. However, over the past year, a sustained decline in murders and serious crimes has been recorded — a trend that police officials attribute to strategic interventions and community engagement efforts.
Senior Superintendent Carlos Russell, the acting commander of the St James Police Division, detailed the encouraging crime statistics during Thursday’s meeting. According to Russell, murders have consistently fallen across consecutive quarters.
“Last year, we recorded 40 murders in the first quarter. By the fourth quarter, that number had dropped to 23,” Russell outlined. “For the first quarter of this year, only 13 murders have been reported.”
The fight against illegal firearms has also seen notable success, with the police confiscating 26 guns and more than 800 rounds of ammunition since January. The announcement drew applause from members of the corporation, who praised the efforts.
Harris later emphasized that the visible improvements are fostering a sense of normalcy in areas once considered volatile.
“Communities like Flower Hill are becoming hubs of renewed activity,” he told the Jamaica Observer after the meeting. “People are moving around more freely. There’s greater interaction and participation in everyday life.”
He credited not just police presence but also recent investments in the security infrastructure — such as new patrol vehicles, upgraded training for officers, and enhanced community policing efforts — for contributing to the positive momentum.
“These investments are no longer abstract; residents are now seeing and feeling their impact,” Harris added.
Looking ahead, there are already signs of a cultural revival. Harris revealed that community consultations are underway to discuss the safe return of traditional events like round robins and other social gatherings, which had been paused due to past violence.
“The conversations have started,” he said. “There’s hope again — and it’s real this time.”
