Peace Day was launched in a proclamation ceremony held at King’s House in February 1996. In making the proclamation, Governor General Sir Howard Cooke “lamented the state of rampant indiscipline in the Jamaican society and the fact that it had pervaded the schools”. He lauded the efforts of PALS, which, he said, was teaching the adults of tomorrow to be at peace with themselves, their fellowmen, and with God.
Peace Day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of March each year.
The objective of Peace Day is to create awareness among schools and the public of the need for peace.
Activities
The highlight of Peace Day is the activities that schools and communities undertake.
Schools
PALS provides schools with a suggested programme that includes the following: the theme; a Scripture reading; and the theme song. Schools are urged to have their students participate in a special assembly through poetry, song, dance, music, and drama.
Peace Day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of March each year.
The objective of Peace Day is to create awareness among schools and the public of the need for peace.
Activities
The highlight of Peace Day is the activities that schools and communities undertake.
Schools
PALS provides schools with a suggested programme that includes the following: the theme; a Scripture reading; and the theme song. Schools are urged to have their students participate in a special assembly through poetry, song, dance, music, and drama.
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Celebrations in schools have included concerts, exhibits, art and poetry competitions, art and craft items, banner competitions, film shows, marches to the community, and church services.
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Awards to peacemakers has been another feature of Peace Day celebrations. Schools have given awards to students as well as other members of the school community. There has even been the crowning of a Peace Day King and Queen!
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with
students of Homestead Primary, St. Catherine.
It has become the norm for schools to have special guests on Peace Day, including a guest speaker, the education officer, and persons from the business community. Many schools have reported inviting police officers to spend time with students on Peace Day. Parents are also present.
Many schools have incorporated a march to the school community as part of their Peace Day celebrations. One year, Port Morant Primary and Junior High reported: “The teachers and students marched with their banners to the square. As we marched, we were greeted by onlookers who shouted “Peace!” and drivers who turned on their headlights to show their support of this venture.”
Many schools have incorporated a march to the school community as part of their Peace Day celebrations. One year, Port Morant Primary and Junior High reported: “The teachers and students marched with their banners to the square. As we marched, we were greeted by onlookers who shouted “Peace!” and drivers who turned on their headlights to show their support of this venture.”
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Community
Partnerships with the Violence Prevention Alliance and the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) have strengthened the impact of Peace Day in several communities. The PMI has been instrumental in mobilising communities to engage in marches in their communities as well as to join others in marches that have started in Half-Way Tree and ended in downtown Kingston.
Partnerships with the Violence Prevention Alliance and the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) have strengthened the impact of Peace Day in several communities. The PMI has been instrumental in mobilising communities to engage in marches in their communities as well as to join others in marches that have started in Half-Way Tree and ended in downtown Kingston.
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Support from the Public
Every year, the public is encouraged to wear something blue on Peace Day and to fly a blue ribbon from their cars. In years gone by, drivers have also been asked to turn on their headlights on Peace Day. For the last four years, GraceKennedy has sponsored the ribbons. PALS is grateful to Polypak Limited which donated ribbons to PALS in the early years.
Every year, the public is encouraged to wear something blue on Peace Day and to fly a blue ribbon from their cars. In years gone by, drivers have also been asked to turn on their headlights on Peace Day. For the last four years, GraceKennedy has sponsored the ribbons. PALS is grateful to Polypak Limited which donated ribbons to PALS in the early years.
