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Day of Peace Observed in Bridgetown
Written by UPF - Barbados
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Bridgetown, Barbados - The Barbados National Peace Council organized a week of activities in commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2011 commencing on Sunday, September 18, with a church service at the Bethel Evangelical Church in Grazettes.
The challenges the world faces must lead us to reflect on the responsibilities we have to use our resources in a manner which benefits society and mankind. On September 18, the executive members of the Barbados National Peace Council gathered at the Bethel Evangelical Church for a 10 am service. Bishop Lionel Clarke made the announcement and the church was happy to welcome the attendees. Much was explained about the activities of UPF when Rev. Peter Oscar Phillips spoke on behalf of the organization, as objectives are in place to partner with this Pentecostal church outside of the city. After the service, other introductions were made and photos were taken.
On Monday, September 19, a lecture was given on anger management at the Unification Church of Barbados by Rev. Phillips.
The following day it was back to the Bethel Evangelical Church for a PowerPoint presentation on “Cut the Violence.”
Although arrangements were made for a dialogue with leaders of the Baha’i faith, it was canceled since no one showed up.
On Thursday morning, three executive members and other members of the Barbados National Peace Council arrived at the newly named A. Da Costa Edwards Primary School to join the National Conservation Commission in planting trees. It was Arbor day, and the National Conservation Commission is a governmental organization responsible for the environment. Incidentally, the chairman, Mr. Tyrone Lowe, as well as the Minister Dr. Dennis Lowe are old schoolmates of this writer.
On Friday the 23rd, another lecture was given by Rev. Phillips on conflict resolution at the headquarters of Barbados National Peace Council, primarily for the youth.
Saturday the 24th, a gathering assembled at the board room of the Ministry of Education to have a discussion on addressing domestic violence. Mrs. Patricia Hackett-Codrington, Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs, gave the keynote address. The session lasted three hours, after which refreshments were served and other discussions held.
Sunday the 25th saw invitees attending a church service at the Unification Church. Notable invitees were Pundit Purushottman Tiwari of the Hindu temple, who in his address spoke of the importance of prayer and togetherness; Archbishop Derek Smith of the Little Daniel Spiritual Baptist Church, gave the invocation as well as serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Pastor Rohan Durant, national leader of the Unification Church of Barbados, made an astounding speech on translating thinking into results. He emphasized that if there is to peace, people have to change both their way of think and their behaviors.
The sermon was given by Rev. Phillips on the theme ”Stand up and speak out,” a text was taken from Romans 12:9-21. Among other things he stated, ”Governments have the obligation and responsibility to create and sustain a peaceful world with sufficient opportunities for the next generations. Bear in mind that there can be no development without removing the constraints that obstruct the development process, and there can also be no development without removing the various constraints that leave people with few choices and therefore fewer opportunities for development and prosperity. Along with the notion of the importance of the family in the peacebuilding process, we must not forget the crucial role religion plays, for it is through religion that mankind can free itself from negativity and open a clear path towards achieving world peace.” He concluded by quoting from Mother Theresa: “The good you do today may be forgotten, but do good anyway.”
The curtains came down with the appointment of two new Ambassadors for Peace. The presentation was made by Mr. Owan Hunte, 1st Vice President of the Barbados National Peace Council. People held hands while singing “Let There Be Peace.” Pictures were taken and refreshments were served. Many of the guests stayed on long after the service, sharing ideas, committing to work together, and making new friends.
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