ON TUESDAY, MOST of West Kingston was locked down because of a police operation in the area.
The police claim they went to the community in search of guns and the suspects responsible for the murder of three policemen and a security guard earlier this year.
During this operation, four women were shot and the Bureau of Special Investigations has launched a probe into the incident.
Pictures of the operation on pages one and two of yesterday's Gleaner spoke volumes. It showed men being forced to lie on the ground while waiting to be taken away by the police.
It also showed Desmond McKenzie, councillor for the area, trying to calm down angry residents, and children fleeing with their belongings in 'scandal' bags.
Police operations have become common place in many of these communities, but what about its impact on the residents?
Not everyone living in the innercity is a criminal and when these operations are conducted, often times it is the innocent who suffer the most.
They are the ones who are stigmatised because of the crime in their communities. The people in these communities are calling out for moral support and help and the government and the rest of Jamaica should respond to their call.
The residents in these areas want a chance to lead normal lives and we can help them to change their lives and communities for the better by giving a helping hand.
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