Mckie encourages Vincentians to be ‘torch-bearers of peace’

Minister of Sports and Culture Cecil McKie on World Peace Day — last Friday — encouraged Vincentians to be “torchbearers of peace”.{{more}}

McKie’s exhortation came at a rally at the Belair Government School to commemorate World Peace Day, the Ministry of National Reconciliation said in a release.

The National Commission on Crime Prevention (NCCP) organized the rally, which was attended by NCCP commissioners, students and staff of the Belair Government and the Gomea Methodist Schools and senior members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

McKie, who is also Parliamentary Representative for the area, said the students of his constituency have an excellent opportunity to become torchbearers of peace.

He said the students could achieve this through education, agriculture, culture, sports and community work.

McKie said that through these areas the students would be engaged in meaningful activities that will deter them from criminal activities.

He said his constituency is relatively peaceful, as there is cohesion among constituents, whom he encouraged to continue to work together and always strive to be peaceful.

Director of the NCCP Deon John said their visit to the Belair Government School suggests that they are partnering with the school and, by extension, the Ministry of Education, to ensure that the message of peace is being brought to the school and the community, the release further stated.

John said World Peace Day is celebrated on September 21 each year to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace.

She added that it is also a day of “ceasefire” and people the world over participate in various activities centred around peace.

John said the NCCP encourages genuine peace that requires individuals to examine their attitudes

She said the NCCP is cognizant that there will be conflict in societies, but pledges to dedicate its effort to building and promoting a culture of peace and harmony in schools and communities, especially among young people.

Inspector of Police Hawkins Nanton, Principal of the Belair Government School Joy Mathews and other members of the NCCP also gave brief remarks at the rally.

Staff and students of the schools recited poems and sang songs with messages of peace.

The United Nations International Day of Peace, which provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared day, was established in 1981.

It was first observed on September 21, 1982.