Cops making difference in Ottley Hall, Edinboro

The police continue to play a leading role in trying to curb the incidents of crime and violence in the communities of Ottley Hall and Edinboro.

The latest effort came on Sunday, March 11, when a second round of friendly football matches was played at the Ottley Hall playing field.

“The goal of scrubbing away the stigma attached to the Ottley Hall community as a volatile area and a place to stay away from, is slowly, but surely being reached,” said one of the organizers of the event, Sergeant Jules Morgan.

Morgan is attached to a police Rapid Response Unit (RRU) based in Edinboro.  

The football matches saw teams from the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church, the Police, Edinboro and Ottley Hall.

The first match saw Ottley Hall beat Edinboro 2-1; then Police beat SDA, 2-1. This was followed by Ottley Hall beating SDA 4-3 on penalty kicks, after the game ended in a 0-0 draw. In the final match, Ottley Hall beat Edinboro 1-0.

“It was a day of fun for all … players and spectators alike and all were treated to free snacks and drinks,” said Sergeant Morgan, who was pleased with the turnout and thanked everyone who made the games possible.

Also, Morgan said he has spoken to the National Commission on Crime Prevention (NCCP) and during the month of April, a community outreach programme, geared towards socio-economic development, will be rolled out, with The Palace (establishment in Edinboro) being the venue for the activities.

Morgan also revealed that he will be organizing a road race from Sion Hill to Ottley Hall, scheduled for Sunday, May 6, 2018.

The race will start in Sion Hill and will see participants running through Kingstown, Rose Place, up Nine Steps and ending at the playing field in Ottley Hall.

“It will be an open race, but the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers from the Ottley Hall community will be receiving cash prizes,” stated Morgan, adding that the road race will be called Running Against Criminal Elements (RACE).

“I’m hoping that more persons in the community will get involved in the activities geared towards fostering better relations with their neighbours. Sharpes football tournament is on hold because of what’s happening in the community there. Let’s not make the same spread to other areas. Be proud of where you live and do so positively,” said Sergeant Morgan.

Last year, Morgan and his groups held a soccer tournament between youths from communities like Ottley Hall, Edinboro, Rose Place and Richmond Hill.