Gospel event this weekend aims at curbing crime situation

With incidents of gun and other types of violence currently plaguing our society, an event dubbed “Gospel Explosion” will be held this weekend in an attempt to create a peaceful environment through music.

Gospel Explosion, the brainchild of Andrez Bascombe and New Life Promotions, will be held at Victoria Park tomorrow, Saturday, November 11, and will feature local and regional gospel talents.

“With the current state of the crime situation in the country, we are just trying to create a safe space for families,” a representative from New Life Promotions told SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday.

The worship environment is expected to be blessed with, among others, Vincentian native Evangelist Bridget Blucher (resides in the USA) and Trinidadians Tyronne Dominic Walters, better known as the “Blessed Messenger” and Shantal Lindsay.

The gospel concert, which is expected to start at 6 pm and run up to 1 am, will also hear from 23 local acts from the various churches which include Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal denominations.

Among the local performers are Ronnie Richardson, Fenton Harry, Sheree Dennie, Jabez Matthews, Alyssa LaBorde, Shunnell Nedd-Noel, Gary Miller, Jolesia Pope and Dillon Welcome.

“The concept is where we want to show unity amongst the churches and to send out one message against violence in the country and promote one day of an all family oriented, fun event amongst the Christian community and wider community,” the New Life Promotions representative further told SEARCHLIGHT.

The representative noted that violence, particularly gun violence, is plaguing the country and events of this nature should appeal to persons as we fight crime as a community unit.

“We need events like these that offer good clean fun and entertainment and to show persons we can exist in peace while listening good music in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Interested persons may purchase tickets at several locations for $25 and $35 for adults and $10 for children.

“We just want persons to come and feel blessed and be relaxed and not have to worry about anything,” one of the promoters said while noting that the collaboration between the many local churches is one way to help fight crime and violence in the various communities and play a part in curbing the murder count which currently stands at 47, a record in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.