Heeding the call by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Barbadians paused at midday on Saturday to reflect on the national issue of violence. As they observed a five-minute period of silence there was a collective prayer for a peaceful country.
Mottley’s plea for this observance coincided with A Vision of Peace Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Tyrese Caesar Foundation (TCF). The non-profit organisation was created to heighten awareness of gun violence on the island and implement programmes to curb and eliminate illegal firearms. Its formation is deeply rooted in the grief of those mourning the loss of Caesar, a victim of gun violence. His loved ones have chosen to channel their pain into a greater good.
Over the last two years TCF has hosted a series of events including a recent 5K Charity Walk and Run. Barbados continues to grapple with a surge in gun-related crimes, but founder Jacqueline Caesar remains steadfast in the view that a closer walk with God is necessary. She explained, “The annual breakfast occurs in July and brings together a cross-spectrum of leaders, friends, and supporters for the sole purpose of prayer.”
The function, which took place at the Accra Beach Hotel, saw Minister Tyneesha Watson leading the worship session. Ysobel Jones performed a liturgical dance. Several prayers were offered, Jeanette Murray prayed for the nation, Dawn Franklyn for the youth, Patricia Gulstone against the spirit of violence and Reverend Simone Jemmott delivered a prayer for guidance and peace. Pastor Deborah Hall prayed for protection over each of those persons.
Caesar emphasised, “It is incumbent on the church as a figurehead to return to basic evangelism and crusades across our various communities. There is a need for the church to employ spiritual techniques to realign personal values across the nation.”
In the feature address Reverend Dr Eric Peters encouraged, “Let us understand true peace but let us understand that we have a responsibility in this nation to initiate. I love this foundation; it did not sit waiting for something to happen, enough has happened. What more do you want to happen? We can rise up as God’s people and begin to pray.” He reminded, “Our god can do all things, there is nothing that is impossible for him.” Peters assured, “One life at a time, one community at a time, one young person at a time, change will come. But we need to engage each other in a meaningful way.”
Minister Tyneesha Watson led the worship session.
TCF’s multifaceted approach includes conducting youth developmental programmes through their Help Young People Excel (H.Y.P.E) programme. Caesar explained, “My focus is on preventative measures to ensure we do not lose another generation. My approach is to keep those who have not committed any infractions away from violence and on a path of personal growth and development.”
Each gun-related death is a stark reminder of Caesar’s own loss. She expressed, “It is painful and a constant reminder of the distressing reality that my son’s life was taken by a gunman. I was robbed of a future with him, and another mother has been added to this dreadful list.”
The impact of gun violence is far reaching, she said, “With the recent upsurge in gun violence, there is a surge of despair, rising anxiety, and a rising sense of disbelief. Our society, fraught with death on a weekly basis, now considers what was once abnormal as normal.”
Hosting the Prayer Breakfast was not about profit but purpose. Despite challenges, Caesar remains resolute. “Limited funding means limited reach and lots of sacrifice, but I am determined that my son’s death will not be in vain. My mission is to save lives so that other mothers do not experience such earth-shattering loss,” she added. (STT)
