'Peace more than just a day' - Education Ministry open to partnership to rekindle initiative
Published:Tuesday | March 7, 2017 | 12:00 AM
With Peace Day not being widely recognised yearly outside of academic institutions, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green has said that the Government is open to conversation with the private sector and the media to bring new life to the peace movement.
In speaking with The Gleaner yesterday (Peace Day), Green stated that he would be having dialogue on the topic with State Minister for Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, as the area of National Security was integral to the peace movement.
"When it was new and fresh, it would have garnered a lot attention. However, with the passage of time, it becomes so ingrained in the public psyche that it is taken for granted. I would love to have a sit down, along with my fellow minister and the media, to see how we can reenergise the concept of Peace and Love in Society (PALS) and Peace Day, in general, as it is something that is necessary. We need to re-engage the partners to reenergise the movement."
Green also stressed that his ministry has expanded the scope of Peace Day to ensure students are taught how to handle disputes appropriately, as well as implementation of policies centred on safety and security.
He added: "Peace is more than just a day. Peace is how do you lead your life to ensure that situations or conflicts that arise are resolved appropriately. What we have to do is try to build upon how we can ingrain the concept of Peace Day in everyday life."
PALS General Manager Janilee Abrikian disclosed during the Peace Day proceedings that interest levels on the part of schools were quite high while confirming her optimism for partnership with both ministries to strengthen the programme going forward.
This calendar marks the 21st year of recognition for Peace Day and is being staged under the theme 'Simmer Down! Let's Talk It Out'.