National Youth Service members walking briskly during yesterday's peace march, organised by the Violence Prevention Alliance and Peace and Love in Society as part of Peace Day activities. The marchers, who left from the National Stadium, walked along Mountain View Avenue and Windward Road, ending at the Urban Development Corporation car park, downtown Kingston. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) and Peace and Love in Society (PALS) 'Peace for Prosperity' campaign culminated in a number of peaceful marches yesterday, one of which was orchestrated by the pupils of August Town Primary School.

The students were participating in Peace Day activities which were observed across the island yesterday. Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields praised the students for their efforts in promoting peace in an otherwise violent community.

At a service held after the march at Haven of Hope Open Bible Church in August Town, Shields told The Gleaner: "I've been involved in this process for the last couple of years and I can see it gathering momentum every year.

Values of peace

"There is no doubt that the work the community does always outweighs the work the police are doing. In some ways, it really is about teaching, particularly the young people, about the values of peace."

Shields warned that there are still problems in the area, saying that, "I think building some facilities for people in August Town, in terms of after-school activities and sports, is really going to be an advantage in detracting children from violence and gang culture."

At the Urban Development Corporation car park, downtown Kingston, where the three peace marches culminated, persons were optimistic that the country will triumph over an escalating crime rate.

Lorna Phillips, from the war-torn Southside community, said many of her friends from the innercity wanted to attend yesterday's peace rallies but violence forced them to stay home.

Janilee Abrikian, PALS general manager, hailed the marches as a success.