Community Marks International Day Of Peace
A number of community members gathered to highlight United Nations International Day of Peace Day yesterday [Sept 21].
A spokesperson said, “Some fifteen stakeholder reps gathered to highlight United Nation Peace Day for a media conference.”
Glenn Fubler said, “We are beneficiaries of actions of those on whose shoulders we stand, such as those who peacefully brought about the Theatre Boycott and other transformative milestones.”
Rev Cyril Simmons, whose Uncle Erskine was a member of the Progressive Group, said, “Forgiveness frees up our capacity to make a difference both personally and socially.”
The spokesperson said, “Francoise Palau-Wolffe, founding director of the Human Rights Education Network, noted that HuRen had attracted some young people for training courses made available by this global opportunity which promoted peace. A similar course will be made available through the Bermuda College in November.”
“Zayne Sinclair, a youth from HuRen, said, “We need to fully appreciate our history to meet community challenges. Cross generational opportunities will bring about a better Bermuda.”
Saleem Talbot, local Imam and president of XRoads F.C., said, “We need to emphasize that peace without justice is empty”.
Joint Statement Observing the UN International Day of Peace
The spokesperson said, “We the undersigned, join in expressing our common humanity in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace on Monday, September 21st. We do so with shared concern for the human family at a perilous crossroads, with its implications both local and global. This manifests in a variety of ways, such as unbridled state violence – including livestreamed genocide, shared globally on social media.
“While the context of brazen attacks on the United Nations and the world court by powerful global leaders is gravely concerning, we salute the overwhelming support for peace by the vast majority of global citizens and applaud the September 16th third vote in the U.S. Congress for ending the war on Iran.
“Reminded of the sentiment of a popular song – we affirm peace begins with me [we]. Many on whose shoulders we stand serve as exemplars of fostering peace.
- “The Progressive Group and rallying supporters of the peaceful, transformative Theatre Boycott offer a seminal example, courageously addressing intransigent injustice.
- “While blocking union rights to dockworkers – September 1959 – led to Bermuda’s first riot squad deployment, the danger of explosive violence was averted by the likes of Leonard Bascome – BIU President and Rev Vernon Byrd – young pastor of St Paul AME.
- “The blocking of union rights at Belco led to explosive violence – 18 police unfortunately hospitalized – but a potential war was averted by the likes of Hugh ‘Ryo’ Richardson – PLP chairperson and Devonshire Recreation Club president, who not only guaranteed sanctuary for protesters at the club, but engaged Governor Martonmere. These two responders, along with Eugene Blakeney, Ottie Simmons, Rev Byrd, and others helped foster communal restoration.
“Our community’s awareness of this local legacy and the history of Bermuda’s solidarity with the people of South Africa will hopefully inspire us all today to leverage our collective agency to foster peace both locally and globally. In doing so, let’s all recommit to support proactive approaches to current local challenges; including:
- Domestic abuse/violence
- Cycle of gang violence.
- A rededication to pro-active conflict resolution in families, employment, commercial and political spheres.
- Offer an example – at our best – in response to personal challenges.
- Forgive ourselves as we forgive others.
“Signatories: [Organizations] Human Rights Commission, Bermuda Is Love, Curb, Huren, Imagine Bermuda, Peace Collective, Social Justice Bermuda.
“[Personalities]: Alex Scott, Dennis Lister, Joan Dillas Wright, Victor Fishington, Wendell Hollis, Dr Janet Kemp, Dante Cooper, Dianna Kemp, Saleem Talbot, Roy Wright, Rev Cyril Simmons, Betty Ann DeJean-Saunders [amongst others].”
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