One Team ‘Peace Tree’ Collaboration
On Sunday [April 3], a brief ceremony occurred just prior to the start of the football game between North Village and PHC, with a small group joineding the footballers to affirm a message which also encouraged peace.
Governor Rena Lalgie, the Pastor of North Shore Gospel Chapel, Steven Powell, the Coordinator of Mirrors, Kim Jackson, and coordinator of the ‘Peace Tree’ Campaign, Glenn Fubler, joined NVCC President Shervin Dill and PHC President Mike Trott and their team members.
Glenn Fubler said, “The photo ops included the banners produced for the Bermuda Football Association’s One Team Initiative and a young Olivewood Tree, which will eventually be planted as a symbolic peace tree at the grounds of NVCC’s Bernard’s Park Stadium.
“I had mistakenly assumed that Governor Lalgie would only remain for the brief ceremony. However, in spite of the steady rain, she insisted – with guidance from the ever-colourful Perry Goater – on securing a seat in the stands, umbrella in hand. The rest of us joined her to watch the match between these traditional rivals, with some protection from the showers of blessings.
“The Governor explained that she was a native of London and had been a fan of the beautiful game most of her life. Shervin Dill, the consummate host, in the Bermuda tradition, offered her, as a neighbour of North Village, a brief history of his proud club. At the same time he was closely watching the unfolding important match in the sloshy conditions.
“Pastor Steven Powell – before leaving for another commitment – explained that his small church had deep roots in North Village. An earlier church leader, the late Bob Battersbee – a noted fisherman – had served as mentor to numerous Village byes. He was a living example of the Bible’s Peter. At church Bob was a Sunday School teacher; along the shoreline, Bob created informal adventures for many youngsters.
“Bob’s legacy represents the type of examples that offer roots, which the campaign is looking to promote awareness of, thus leveraging the grounding of upcoming generations.
“Kim Jackson shared that she was involved with the Personal Empowerment Circle at Westgate, which piqued the interest of Governor Lalgie, who asked about the Book Campaign. It was explained that this initiative to enhance the Westgate Library by donating gift certificates at book stores would conclude on April 9th.
“Kim went on to explain how Mirrors is initiating a parenting course for a group at Westgate and that through the collaboration with the Book Campaign, participants will be able to secure the vital books for the program. This provided a concrete example of how by thinking outside of the box, our community can leverage the potential of collaboration, beyond our club, tribe, group or gang.
“It is in this collaborative spirit involving the sports clubs and other community stakeholders that we will continue to remind ourselves – collectively – to choose peace and remember that we are ultimately One Team”
