Chevannes

Following the linking of arms to form a 'human chain' at the culmination of peace marches at 7:00 p.m. at the Urban Development Corporation car park downtown Kingston, on Peace Day, March 6, participants are expected to observe a moment's silence to recognise those who have been affected by violence.

The marches are scheduled to begin simultaneously from three separate venues at 3:00 p.m.

The human link, according to Chairman of the Violence Prevention Alliance, Professor Barry Chevannes, is to "physically demonstrate our stance against violence and to signify that we acknowledge and sympathise with those who have been affected by violence."

Professor Chevannes added: "Living in communities that are beset by criminal activity is not acceptable for anyone. No citizen of Jamaica should have to live like that. We also want to send the message that all Jamaicans must work together to make this island a truly peaceful and productive society."

Victims of violence

Professor Chevannes said the 'peace chain' will involve persons linking hands/arms while Bishop Herro Blair, head of the Peace Management Initiative, prays for peace. After the prayers, persons will be asked to think of individuals who have been victims of violence as they observe a moment's silence to honour them. The Reverend Al Miller will also address the rally and there will be performances by a number of popular artistes.

According to Professor Chevannes, participants in this year's marches will use one of three routes.

The first route is the National Stadium along Mountain View Avenue to Windward Road and Victoria Avenue to South Camp Road to the UDC car park at Ocean Boulevard, downtown Kingston. The second begins at Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree to Cross Roads; along Slipe Road to Torrington Bridge where participants will make a right turn on to Slipe Pen Road, left on North Street to King Street via Parade where they will make a right on King Street to Ocean Boulevard.

The meeting point for route three is the Hunts Bay Police Station at Three Miles, from which participants will walk along Spanish Town Road, making a right on to Darling Street, right on to Pechon Street to Ocean Boulevard where all will converge at the UDC parking lot.

Highlights of this year's peace initiative include:

A church service that will be held at the Providence Methodist Church, 132 Old Hope Road, in St. Andrew, on Sunday, March 4, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The final round of the 10/10 community cricket competitions celebrating the 'No Violence, Jus' Bat for Peace' campaign will be held today and tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Kingston Technical High School playing field and UWI Mona Bowl, respectively.

A concert at the Vauxhall High School in Kingston on Peace Day, beginning at 8:00 am.

A peacerally and concert starting at 6:00 p.m. at the UDC car park.