THE central figures involved in the process of restoring peace, harmony and improved communication in battle-torn Tivoli Gardens are making steady progress, they have said.

Residents of Tivoli Gardens and the security forces say much has been achieved in placing their differences aside to improve the relationship between both groups.

During a tour of the community last week, representatives from both parties said that a ray of hope was slowly returning to the community, which suffered badly from clashes involving members of the security forces and gunmen loyal to alleged drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke, the reputed unofficial leader of the community, who is wanted by the United States to answer charges related to drugs and guns.

Recent violent incidents in Tivoli Gardens left 73 civilians and one soldier dead, police said.

The deadly unrest has left many family members "traumatised and the hope now is that time will heal all wounds," said one woman from the area last week.

"I have been living in Tivoli Gardens all my life. Things have improved since last week, the relationship is now better between both the authorities and the people," said another resident on Friday, where it was observed that members of the security forces were interacting with residents.

Another resident said "the soldiers are kind to us."

A spokeperson for a group of soldiers who were interviewed but requested that their names not be published, said that up to a week ago the ease with which they now interact with residents was almost non-existent.

"It is evident that residents of Tivoli are now more receptive to the members of the security forces, who are equally less forceful," a man aged 55 told the Observer.

Another woman spoke of how soldiers helped her son to get medical attention.

"The soldiers took my son to do his exams, it's unfortunate to see what took place, given the fact that we are living like this now," she said.

Since a three-day stand-off in the community between members of the security forces and gunmen loyal to Coke, several groups have been assisting in the drive to restore normality in Tivoli.

Police said that some groups like the Red Cross, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and some church groups have helped to provide transportation for students to sit their examinations, among other things.

Police also said that several days after the unrest, persons were tight-lipped and somewhat apprehensive in talking about the event that took place, as they all wanted to move on with their lives.

"Out of every bad come some good," said one woman, holding her grandson in her arms, while indicating that at least one chapter in Tivoli's history had closed and a positive way forward was now needed.