THE 'SAFE Communities Campaign', an initiative of the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), a network of organisations working together to prevent violence, will be launched today at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
The launch kicks off Peace Month activities which will culminate in the celebration of Peace Day, March 7.
Today is the anniversary of the birth of reggae icon, Bob Marley and Professor Barry Chevannes, chairman of the VPA, said Bob Marley's birthday was selected for the launch because "his message of one love, peace and unity touches the hearts and minds of many Jamaicans."
FREE OF VIOLENCE
According to Professor Chevannes, the 'Safe Communities Campaign' is an "initiative to assist communities to achieve the status of being free of violence and embark on their own development."
The communities of Mountain View, Rose Town, Rema (including Federal Gardens), and Dunkirk are selected to participate in the campaign. The VPA was launched in 2004 and comprises governmental and non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and international and inter-governmental agencies.
Other activities that will be taking place across the island throughout the month of February include church services, sports competitions, several cultural, community and school-based activities as well as 3 1,000-man peace marches which will culminate in a peace concert on the Kingston waterfront on Peace Day, March 7.
