Residents of the Rockfort community in Kingston have been gifted with a mural courtesy of one of their own, Conroy Green. Green is optimistic that his mural will be viewed as an inspiration for the upcoming generation.

The Rockfort artist paid an emotional tribute to his community on Instagram. “I was born and raised in the community of Rockfort, Kingston 2, known by many to be a volatile area, but for me, it is my hometown,” he wrote. “This mural is being done a stone’s throw away from my family’s house and right in front of my basic school.”

“It gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment to be able to do something that I love with the potential to inspire many generations to come,” he continued. “As an artist, I’m beginning to realize that I have a voice and I have to use that to the best of my ability for the growth and development of my community.”

Green is a part of LifeYard, a social enterprise in Parade Garden that focuses on honing the skills of young artists. The group was commissioned by the Digicel Foundation to contribute to the MoDA Mural on Windward Road. This is a part of a larger partnership between the Foundation and Collection MoDA which saw two Digicel Foundation grantees on show at the exclusive fashion event, MoDA Market, in November 2019.

Green is thankful for the opportunity to express himself through art and give a facelift to a sentimental part of his hometown.

Reflecting on his childhood and the decision to join LifeYard, he commented, “Growing up in Rockfort is a bitter/sweet experience, sweet because most of my family resides here, bitter because of the violence Rockfort is known for.”

The East Kingston community has been under a State of Emergency since January 2020 due to gang violence in the area.

“I just want to commend LifeYard for doing the amazing community work they have been doing over the past six years. These young men and women have been feeding, spreading awareness, educating, advocating community growth and development from their hearts.” said Green.  “It gives me great pleasure to even be considered by them to execute a mural project. I charge everyone to get more involved in their communities to make a change in the life of our youth.”