By james art Better lighting and closed-circuit cameras are among recommendations to improve safety at future gatherings in Africville after five people were injured in a shooting at this year’s event in July.
Halifax police visited the historic black community to assess after receiving a request from Genealogy Society Africville, which organized the gathering.
The society said reaching out to police for guidance was a necessary step after the unprecedented gun violence at the 41st Assembly.
A teenage girl who was caught in the crossfire is seriously injured. The police continue to investigate the case.
“We have a responsibility to make sure people are not only safe, but they feel safe,” said Irvine Carvery, president of the society. Carvery had to hide in his van when the shooting happened.
Officers met with Carvery in Africville as part of the site audit. Police say having a safety plan may not prevent crime, but it can help deter it.
Irvine Carvery said he hid in a van he had hired for the rally. He says he heard about 20 shots. (Garrett Hampshire/CBC)
The shots were fired at 10 p.m. on July 27, 2024, so having quality lighting is one of the recommendations in the audit.
“The park has no lights,” Carvery said. “It’s very dark, so the park needs to be better lit,” Carvery said.
Closed-circuit cameras would also be an advantage, the report said. Carvery said it would be best to have it at both main entrances so people could see each other coming and going.
Police noted that some bushes along the perimeter of the park needed to be trimmed to improve visibility. The report also indicated damage to the fence between the park and the shore of Bedford Basin.
“People come in and out over that fence,” Carvery said.
Police also offered security as an option, but Carvery said that would mean additional costs that needed further consideration.
The park fence is in need of repair. (Garrett Hampshire/CBC)
The details were presented to society board members and community members at a meeting last weekend.
The reunion brings people back to the community that was destroyed by the city of Halifax more than 50 years ago.
“Just putting all this light on it will deter people from coming next year, I mean people with guns in their pants,” said Victor Sampson-Carvery, who has been going to the gathering for years.
It’s always peaceful and happy, he said, so he’s disappointed it’s been turned into a crime scene this year.
He goes to honor his father who grew up in Africville. He is glad to hear that improving security is being discussed.
“A lot of people come there,” Sampson-Carvery said. “It’s very dark at night, people are sleeping.
Police say cutting back some bushes and shrubs will help improve the view. (Garrett Hampshire/CBC)
The next step is to take the plan to the city and province to request funding for the security improvements.
“This is an HRM-owned park,” Carvery said. “So they are responsible for the maintenance of the park. Things like closed-circuit cameras, extra security, we’re going to move closer to the countryside.”
He said there was support for the changes, and many at the meeting offered similar suggestions to the police.
People are determined to continue demonstrating the Africville spirit, Carvery said, and he expects another big turnout at next year’s meeting.
(CBC)
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