‘Leave Out Violence in SVG’ group stands up

As the shouts for an end to crime and violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines continue to echo, the Leave Out Violence in SVG Association is doing their part to assist in that endeavour.{{more}}

Decked in purple and white t-shirts, members of the non-profit organization marched through the streets of Kingstown, as part of a National March and Rally against crime and violence here in SVG called “STAND UP”.

Along with group members, members of the Lions Club, Rangers, police officers and leaders of the New Democratic Party including: President Arnhim Eustace, Vice Presidents Godwin Friday and Major St Clair Leacock, marched from the Peace Memorial Hall, through Kingstown, with musical accompaniment from the police band, before converging at Heritage Square where a rally was held.

The event was staged in an effort to bring awareness to, and address violence and crime, especially domestic violence and violent crimes against women.

Despite the intermittent rain showers, many persons turned out to support a worthy venture.

Special appearances were made by the Image Modelling Agency, who displayed Wadada Beads jewellery by Shari Osborne. Performances came from Soca Dans Luta and Fireman Hooper, the Heartbeat Drummerz, Danielle Veira, Rocky and Darren ‘Dice’ Bowman among others.

The dynamic all female quartet of Shaunelle McKenzie, First Lady, Queen B and Diya brought the house down with a number of songs that had the crowd gyrating.

Founder of the group Nailah John expressed her satisfaction in having the march take place.

The Canadian-born woman, whose father is Vincentian, told the gathering that if they are going to move forward and make a better world, action has to be taken now.

“We must be the change we want in our society. We cannot sit back and let crime and violence take over our society…,” John said.

The non-profit organization was created last December after reports of violence and crime, especially against women, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, began bombarding John’s social networks.

John said the aim of the group is to address the violence in SVG, encourage communities and to embrace the concept of conflict resolution.

Detailing future plans, John said that plans are already afoot to design a curriculum for correctional social development of less fortunate young adults. She said they also hope to establish a home for battered women, abused and homeless children and to eradicate violence from people’s mindset.

She also urged persons to report instances of crime and violence to the police and asked that the police also cooperate with the public.

Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Culture, expressed his delight in seeing that this country is standing behind a cause that is very important for the continued development of SVG.

“We need to go back to basics. We need to start showing love and forgiveness and if it can’t start in our homes, then it can’t permeate to the rest of society…We can’t continue to live in a country where crime and violence is taking over,” Stephenson declared.

Other speakers included Idesha Jackson of the Women’s Congress and Vice President of LOVN SVG Toni Johnson.