The town of Mandeville in Central Jamaica was dedicated as the first IIPT Peace Town in the Caribbean this past month during the IIPT Caribbean Community Tourism Study Tour and Conference.
Brooks Park Sports and Recreational Complex was dedicated as a “Peace Park” as a symbol of Mandeville’s commitment to peace and a Peace Garden started with the planting ten Ortanique seedlings a hybrid of the orange and tangerine fruit having its origins in Manchester.
IIPT Founder and President Louis D’Amore was present for the event together with the Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay; Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous; IIPT Caribbean Chapter President Diana McIntyre Pike; Harry Daley, Senior Superintendent, representing the Hon. Peter Bunting, Minister of National Security; Mr Tony Freckleton, Chairman. South Coast Resort Board and Ms. Maxcine Headley, distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of Mandeville.
IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore cuts the ribbon on the Peace Plaque officially opening Brooks Park as an IIPT Peace Park. Sharing in the unveiling of the plaque from left to right are Superintendent of Operations for Area 3, Harry Daley, Custos of Manchester, Hon. Sally Porteous; D’Amore and Her Worship the Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay. Photos by Gregory Bennett.
In declaring itself as the Caribbean’s first IIPT/Skal Peace Town, Mandeville agrees to be actively committed to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental integrity, and sustainable human, social and economic development. Mandeville’s declaration as an IIPT/Skal Peace Town has the support of the Business Community and key organizations within the town including the Kiwanis Club.
Her Worship the Mayor of Mandeville, Mrs. Brenda Ramsay told the audience: “This concept of a Peace park, although not new, is relatively new to this side of the world. As we approach the 200th anniversary of Manchester as a parish we are adding another accolade to our repertoire; in addition to having the first Golf Course and Tennis Club (and) the first Horticultural Society in the Western Hemisphere. I therefore gladly lend my support in promoting Mandeville as the first Peace Town in the Caribbean.”
Dr. Clifton Reid, Chairman of the Brooks Park Board stated: “Let’s start the first peace epidemic in this country, starting with Manchester. Just as how these fledgling trees will grow so I hope this peace movement will grow. I intend to work very hard for peace. It doesn’t stop here, plans are in place to continue the celebrations, such as putting together a group of individuals to launch various competitions including a peace poem, craft, peace song and games competition. This was truly a well-supported occasion which speaks to Peace.”
Planting of Peace Tree. Photos by Nicholas Baumer
Mr. D’Amore expressed the significance of the Mandeville Peace Town dedication within the overall goal of IIPT/SKAL to dedicate 500 peace towns and villages thoughout the world by 21 September 2014, the UN International Day of Peace.
The event was chaired by Mrs. Vivien Morris-Brown, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). In addition to the inspiring talks of the Town’s leaders mentioned above, participants in the dedication were entertained with a stunning performance by internationally acclaimed Dub Poet Yasus Afari, who performed a special poem written for the occasion:
“let us redouble the efforts of peace, justice, truth and right, war and violence must cease”.
Other performances came in the form of dance by the Institute of Theatre Arts in Mandeville and another Peace Poem entitled “You are the Environment” performed by Sharon Parris Chambers of Letsdoitinthecaribbean.com. accompanied by Bunny Hewitt, drummer.