Valdon Vassell, aka 'Double V' performs a piece at the launch of 'Creatives For Peace' on February 24 at the Victoria Pier.
Peace Day, which was observed yesterday was celebrated under the theme “Let’s Build Peace Together”. The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), in collaboration with its partners launched the ‘Creatives For Peace’ initiative in celebration of the day.
The VPA has teamed up with Sistren Theatre Collective, Groots Jamaica, Island Coffees, and peace ambassadors to launch the initiative that will enable young people to become positive community influencers and role models for their peers and the young generation through the creative arts.
Already entries have been received and these talent pieces will be showcased on the social media platforms of the VPA and its partners as well as radio and television in collaboration with the media houses.
The initiative will see young persons being mentored, offered guidance and grooming. It will also be a yearlong initiative, under the theme ‘Set Di Stage’.
Other activities that took place for the day were school outreach activities that were organised by the Community Safety Innovators that had presentations at the Central Branch Primary School and the Jones Town Primary School in Kingston.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) hosted a virtual concert on the day under the theme “Let’s Build Peace Together”. The two hour concert was aired on the JCF’s social media pages on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube and on its website at https://jcf.gov.jm/ .
The concert comprised of performances from members of the JCF and students’ pieces from Tivoli Gardens High, Charlie Smith High School and St Francis Primary and Infant School in Kingston; Annotto Bay High School, St. Mary High School, Highgate Primary and Junior High School and Oracabessa High School in St Mary; Bridgeport High School in St. Catherine, among other schools. The concert showcased peace day messages from key stakeholders.
Peace and Love in Society (PALS) also had a virtual Peace Day Concert, which was aired on its YouTube channel. The concert featured writer, actor and educator, Owen ‘Blacka’ Ellis; writer and director of children’s plays, Amina Blackwood Meeks, Rev. Astor Carlyle and performances from several schools.