Steer Town: A Community Transformed 1970-2020

"Steer Town: A Community Transformed 1970-2020" offers a concise examination of the dramatic evolution of a small district in Jamaica. Once admired for its abundance of athletic talent, some of whom achieved national and international recognition, Steer Town faced a downturn in the mid-90s, earning the moniker 'Little Tivoli' in a recent Jamaica Observer article, drawing parallels to the volatile inner city community of Tivoli Gardens in Kingston, known for prevalent gun violence. Within the pages of the book, the author takes readers on a nostalgic journey, recounting the early history of the community and highlighting the distinctive qualities that once defined it. JR reflects on Steer Town All-Age School, emphasizing the profound impact it had on students from his generation. Furthermore, he delves into the reasons behind the community's radical shift in the mid-1990s and offers a blueprint for community restoration, asserting that the community is currently in a state of paralysis. While JR acknowledges the challenges facing Steer Town, he maintains optimism, asserting that these issues are not insurmountable. He contends that a resolution necessitates the collective involvement of all community stakeholders, including members of the diaspora. JR concludes that Steer Town possesses the inherent qualities of peace and civility within its DNA, and with concerted efforts, the community can reclaim these attributes.