International NGO and local partners unveil monument

International Peace NGO Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) and its partner organisations in Barbados have built a peace monument in the constituency of St Michael North that they say will stand as a lasting testament and commitment to peace for future generations.

According to HWPL, community members had made a tremendous choice to prioritise peace in their communities, schools, and homes by creating the monument.

“This newly unveiled peace monument was not achieved in a vacuum but rather came about as the result of tireless effort. At [Monday’s] inauguration, all attendees celebrated their joint commitment to peace, which involves actively participating in spreading a culture of peace through education, media, economic development, and all other sectors of society in Barbados. Thanks to HWPL and its partners, this needle of peace has moved forward a bit more in Barbados,” the NGO said.

Among those at the unveiling at Husbands New Development Park were Member of Parliament for St Michael North Davidson Ishmael, Cathy Allman who worked in close partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that this historic day for peace in Barbados could come to fruition, and co-founder of Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods (COESL) Dr Marcia Brandon.

Government officials and HWPL volunteers admire the monument.

“As a result of these individuals working hand in hand with HWPL’s Washington, D.C. office, this new monument was built as an outward expression of that commitment to peace – to a world changing for the better. The work for peace in Barbados will continue through practical means, namely peace education and peace legislation,” HWPL said.

“Understanding the need for peace efforts to be institutionalised at all levels of society – within government, education, and the community – HWPL is continuing to work with leaders in Barbados to ensure that peace becomes not only a priority but a norm.”

St Michael North MP Davidson Ishmael addressing the unveiling ceremony.

HWPL holds several events to raise awareness about critical human rights challenges and emphasises the importance of disarmament, peace process efforts around the globe, and institutional peace for achieving sustainable development as outlined by HWPL’s governing legislative peace document, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). 

“Guided by the DPCW, as HWPL and their partners hold peace education activities that bring communities together, hearts and minds will change to have a hope for peace. Barbados’ new peace monument will continue to stand as a reminder of the goal for peace for all,” it added. (PR/BT)