Activist ready to begin 2013 anti-violence drive

Determined to stamp out crime and violence from the Vincentian community, Nailah John and her organization Leave Out Violence In SVG (LOVNSVG), for 2013, plans to pick up where they left off last year, by continuing their awareness campaign.{{more}}

Last April, the association held a march and rally at Heritage Square under the theme “STAND UP”, which served as part of activities to kick-start their campaign.

And this year, the goal remains the same, according to John.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, John revealed that LOVNSVG will be hosting four major activities this year.

The first of the activities will be held on April 19, with a march and rally from the Girls’ High School grounds to Sion Hill.

“I think it’s really, really important that we bring about awareness. And yes, the march and rally is to bring about awareness and to gather people together in unity; however, we have to continue that awareness throughout the year,” John told SEARCHLIGHT.

“We will also be having a whistle-stop. We’ll be doing the leeward and the windward and we will also be doing commercials and billboards across the country.

“Last year, we didn’t do that. It was a new organization. When I came into the country, the organization was only six months old. So, at least now, there are more people aware of the association and what we’re trying to do,” she further stated.

According to John, LOVNSVG’s long term goal is to build a shelter for abused women and children.

“And not just to house them, but to educate them,” she added.

John, who is presently a student at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, pursuing studies in law, says the issue of crime and violence should not be ignored.

“I think it’s really important. This issue affects us all. Violence and crime affect the entire country and I see that crime is on the increase, even though some people want me to sweep it under the carpet, I guess.

“I will not be silent about the issues that are affecting this nation and the people,” the LOVNSVG president firmly stated.

Another issue on the agenda for LOVNSVG is child molestation.

John stated that she is aware that there’s a high level of cases of molestation in St Vincent and the Grenadines and more needs to be done in order to eliminate the cruel act.

She further revealed that before leaving the shores of SVG in April last year, she was flooded with reports from parents who claimed to have children who were being molested.

“I don’t believe that we should be molesting our children.

“The children are our future, our country and so, if we don’t address these issues, they are only going to increase and so that’s what the organization is here to do.”

Resources are limited for the 10-member LOVNSVG. John has, however, stated that their aim is not to quit, but to continue working towards eradicating the harmful effects of our society.

“Yes, our resources are limited and we’re in the process of receiving some funding. And we have helped; we have helped a number of people who didn’t know where to turn.

“So, that’s a really good thing that we are being recognized by the general public and I think that’s really important that the awareness is there; that they know that they can come to the organization for assistance.”

John reiterated her appeal for all Vincentians to show solidarity towards the cause, by attending the upcoming march and rally on April 19.(AA)