Let there be peace!

Lay down the guns and seek peace.

 

This was the strong appeal of two Members of Parliament while addressing a gathering in Independence Square yesterday. Those present included clergy, members of the Lions Club Barbados, members of the Barbados Workers Union and the Barbados Defence Force, who all participated in a ‘Walk For Peace’ which moved off from Jubilee Gardens around 10 am and ended at that location.

 

Delivering remarks during the Universal Peace Federation and the Barbados National Peace Council initiative, Member of Parliament for St. James North, Edmund Hinkson reminded the public that one of the best ways to resolve conflict was not through the use of arms but through communication.

 

“We in Barbados have a duty – both the community leaders and the non-governmental organisations that are represented here today – to ensure that we promote peace in our country. We therefore call on all persons here to lay down their arms, lay down their guns [and] to realise that our problems cannot be solved by conflict. They have to be solved by communication with each other and by resolution through friendlier means.” 

 

Meanwhile, Senator Reverend Dr. David Durant stated that “guns and violence have no place in our Barbadian society. They are not part of our historical heritage.” He therefore called on all peace-loving Barbadians to “arise and say with one voice, ‘no to drugs, guns and violence in our communities’.”

 

Dr. Durant also appealed to locals who are members of gangs to lay down their arms.

 

“We are calling on members of the gangs to lay down their weapons and seeks peace not only for their benefit but for the good of every Barbadian family, for the good of our children, our young people, our fathers and mothers. Love, respect and unity must be embraced by all.”

 

The Senator during his address expressed gratitude to officers of “the Royal Barbados Police Force for their speedy capturing of perpetrators over the years. They are doing a good job.” He further urged all Barbadians “to unite for continued peace, safety and stability in our small island and most of all, let us invite the peace of God in our hearts. Let us take pride in our island.”