CSJP, January 29, 2010: Transformation is the new buzzword in Bottom Pen in Montego Bay, St. James, where several hundred metres of old zinc fences are being torn down and replaced with concrete walls, courtesy of the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP). Now, citizens are talking about transforming the name of the community as well.
The residents have pledged to change the name of the community from Bottom Pen to the more upscale Guango Meadows, as the zinc fence transformation project is triggering a different view, hope and vision for the community.
According to Ruddy Lindo, one man who has lived in Bottom Pen for all his more than 40 years on earth, “the name Bottom Pen no longer fits the community because of the new walls which have been built by CSJP. Instead we are looking at urgently changing the name to Guango Meadows because of the sense of pride which we are now feeling”.
Mr. Lindo said “We selected Guango Meadows because the area is blessed with a number of these trees which provide fabulous shade for us and when people are cool, they generally are peaceful and we want peace to be the hallmark of our community”.
The process of obtaining the name change is not an easy one however as a number of approvals must be sought and obtained. The community members must first send a signed petition to the St. James Parish Council stating their intention to change the name of the community. In the interim, they must also get permission from the National Lands Agency as well as the Titles Offices, the Parish Council and then the Ministry of Works for final approval.
Mr. Lindo said since the zinc fences have been removed there has been a renewed sense of pride among community members…most of whom have lived here for all their life and have seen the effects of crime and violence on the development of the community.
Bottom Pen, possibly to be renamed Guango Meadows is one of several communities across Jamaica which has benefited from the CSJP’s crime prevention services.
CSJP is a multi-faceted crime and violence prevention initiative focusing on building community safety and security. The programme provides crime and violence prevention services to 26 volatile and vulnerable communities; strengthens crime management capabilities; builds the capacity of the Ministries of National Security and of Justice; improves the delivery of judicial services
Contact: Gillian Scott,
CSJP Communications/Social Marketing Coordinator
906 4714 (Tel)
341 0622 (Cell)
