Vincentian born Canadian resident takes a colour stance against bullying

A Vincentian former cricketer who currently resides in British Columbia, Canada has been wearing a pink shirt to work one day a week as a stance against bullying.

Now, Mark Williams who said he himself was a victim of bullying, wants to make waves outside of Canada; and he is hoping that people in the land of his birth will be willing to come on board.

“As someone who is a champion for anti-bullying and anti-racism, it breaks my heart to see what’s going on in our beloved country St.Vincent [and the Grenadines]” the Byera born Williams says in an introductory letter.

“Violence is never the answer to any problem. We must foster a better way to resolve our differences, and I am confident, with my movement, we can make a difference,” he points out.

Williams says, “In 2016, I began wearing a pink shirt at my place of employment. It was a silent declaration of my personal stance against bullying. Soon others would inquire about my shirt and this allowed me to share my philosophy of the Pink Thursday movement and word began to spread. This is more than just about creating awareness, I want to change the world”.

“As a former victim, now turned survivor and activist, I have resolved to create a safe space where those who are being victimized and other survivors can reach out for help regardless of station, culture or background. While this is an initiative born in British Columbia, Canada, I am determined to take Pink Thursday global. As I wear my pink shirt, share my story and continue to inspire others, one thing is for certain, the movement is definitely catching on,” Williams adds.

“As the founder of Pink Thursday, I encourage everyone to practice three things, respect, support and love.”

Williams draws inspiration from the late president of South Africa whom he quotes thus: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela Williams who shares that he came from a religious family, attended the Anglican Primary School ,”and for a short while the Bishops College Georgetown secondary before transferring to the Georgetown Secondary school,” is confident that, “Pink Thursday is for everyone”.

Regarding his cricket, Williams shares that it is still his great love.

“I’m a two time champion in the finals of the Secondary Schools Cricket Championship. I represented the Radcliffe Cricket Club in St. Vincent, and I will forever be a Radcliffe member,” he says as he acknowledges his favourite coach, Irvin Warrican and opening batting partner, Lindon “Befit” James.