New treats in store for LOVNSVG rally

This year’s Leave Out Violence In St Vincent and the Grenadines (LOVNSVG) promises to include a number of new features, when the anti-violence rally takes place tomorrow at the Calliaqua Playing Field.{{more}}

Apart from the speeches and host of local and regional performing artistes who have decided to freely give of their talents to the gathering, persons attending the third staging of the event will be treated to a fashion show, as well as opportunities to win prizes.

“This year we will be having a fashion show: the Authentic Africano Fashion and Batik,” Andrea Weekes told SEARCHLIGHT.

“The title is ‘empowering women through dress,’ so there will be a showcase of African dress and men’s wear, if we get some male models.

“We will also be raffling a security system, as well as passes to Buccament Bay Resort and the Anchorage Yacht Resort in Union Island, a getaway for three nights,”Nailah John added.

“There are also T-shirts and bracelets on sale, with proceeds to go to victims of domestic violence and for child abuse,” she said.

The organizers pointed out that the added attractions should not distract Vincentians from the seriousness of violence against women and child abuse, as well as crimes committed by Vincentian males against one another.

John said that the focus of the rally is still to bring a greater consciousness of what is taking place in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and how, as a nation, we can solve the problem.

Crime and violence is definitely on the increase in this country, so I believe that it’s really important that we can come together as a people. The focus of this rally is to bring the awareness and the education to our people. I believe if we bring that awareness and education, then we will have a bit of a better chance.”

John said that she expects this year’s march and rally to exceed the turnout of the last two years; the first was held at Heritage Square, and the second at Sion Hill.

“We will be marching from the entrance of the Arnos Vale Playing Field into Calliaqua about 5:30… so we are asking everybody to come out to this.

“We expect people to come out and support… this is something that affects us all within our community, so I’m really asking for the support of the general public; without their support we cannot make a difference in this country.

“And I always say together we can make a difference, not individually,” John said.

Performing at the rally would be Queen B, Lady Diya, Tabia, Rodney Small, Bomani, Mavrick out of Jamaica, Maddzart, Fireman Hooper and Skarpyon.

This year’s rally will be held under the theme: Stand Up Against Violence And Crime.”

Individuals are asked to wear purple and bring along a candle for the observation of a minute pf silence for persons who died due to violence over the past year.