Bridgetown, Barbados - The Barbados National Peace Council organized a week of activities in commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace, beginning with a church service at the Family Federation for World Peace chapel on Sunday, September 15. Archbishop Derek Smith from the Little Daniel Spiritual Baptist Church offered a special prayer of peace.
There has been an upsurge in domestic violence in recent times in Barbados; thus, there couldn't be a better time to remind the country of the importance of peace. This was expressed eloquently by Rev. Peter Phillips to the congregation as he passionately pleaded with people not only to pray for peace but also to live peacefully with their fellow human beings. Quoting from a message by the Secretary-General of the UN, he urged the authorities to "educate for peace."
A lecture was given on Monday on conflict resolution to a few attendees. On Wednesday, a presentation on the life of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon was shown. On Thursday there was a festival at a Hindu temple and a presentation given on the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
On Friday, UPF-Barbados hosted a party for its members whose birthday fell during this month in appreciation for their commitment to the organization. On Saturday, a lecture was given on Resolving Conflict in Marriage and the Family by Rev. Peter Phillips at the Ministry of Education Board Room.
Sunday was Arbor Day, and trees were planted at the headquarters of the Family Federation for World Peace. In the afternoon, Mr. Leonard R. Philips gave a presentation on "Positive Thinking" at the Ministry of Education Board Room. Mr. Phillips is the author of four books. On Monday UPF-Barbados partnered with the National Conservation Commission in planting fruit trees at the Hilda Sheene Primary School.