Make the choice to be peaceful and let us have violence free elections

Message from Chair of the National Reconciliation Advisory Committee (NRAC) Pastor Stephen Ollivierre

The proverbial saying is now true, “the bell has rung”. Elections would be on December 9, 2015.

Fellow citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines, we have a constitutional duty and a right to vote. This privilege has been given to us because we are a democracy.{{more}} Let us not take this lightly; in some countries the citizens long for this. Exercising this right carries with it responsibilities; there must be fairness and freedom to vote. It should be peaceful and void of all forms of intimidation. We should not impose our views on others, neither should we mock nor belittle others because of their political persuasion.

Ridiculing another person because of the party they support will lead to conflict and deepen social divisions. People become irate when they perceive that their views and opinions are being disrespected, which, in some cases, can escalate into violence. Let us avoid such situations. Let us think of the hurt we can inflict when we destroy each other with our words and actions. As a people, we have to be more tolerant; we have to learn to respect each other’s differences.

Brothers and sisters of this blessed land, let us be calm. After the election process is completed, we have to live together, work together to move our country forward. Therefore, I am calling on us all to make the choice to be peaceful and let us have violence free elections. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 5:9 (NIV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

God bless St Vincent and the Grenadines.