By Rudy Joseph Jr.

Over 100 students from various primary schools around the island and the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) gathered at the Goodwill Parish Hall last Thursday, for what turned out to be an exciting rally in observance of International Day of Peace, which concluded at the Botanic Gardens.
Following the march through the streets of Roseau, the students gathered at the Gardens and were treated with entertainment and inspirational words from leaders of many of the island’s prominent youth groups.


In delivering her feature address, Secretary-General of the Dominica National Commission for the United Nations Education, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Gloria Shillingford explained that although the United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed the motion stating the need for an International Day of Peace in 1981, the official observation of a global day for peace only took place years later.
“It was only in the year 2001, that the UN General Assembly adopted a new resolution declaring September 21st each year as the International Day of Peace. This is a day of great significance to humanity … a day when we seek to promote that which will see generations lifted up out of poverty and millions of refugees return safely to their homes,” Shillingford stated.
The UNESCO Secretary-General also explained that the primary place of education for children should be the home, urging parents to set the right example. “Our parents must be more mindful of the examples which they set for our youth. We need to educate both parents and children on conflict resolution, emphasising that non-violent conflict resolution is the best choice,” she said.
Apart from the students, the rally was also attended by representatives of numerous youth organisations including the Nature Isle Youth Alliance (NIYA), the Rotaract Club of Dominica, the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA), the National Youth Environment Organisation (NYEO), and the National Youth Council (NYC).

They take my kindness for weakness.
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant if I separate.
I'm fake if I assimilate
Yet, constantly I am faced with work place hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK".
Yet, I can only be me. And, who am I you might ask?
I am that Strong Black Person...
Who stands on the backs of my ancestor's achievements, with an erect spine
pointing to the stars with pride, dignity and respect which lets the work
place know, that I not only possess the ability to play by the
rules, but I can make them as well!

I was watching Coach Carter this weekend, the movie/true story about a black coach that went back to his community high school to coach the basketball team and ended up changing lives by instilling the importance of education among the student-athletes. all throughout the kept asking his players what their greatest fears were and i was wondering why, until i heard the answer towards the end, i understood it all then and there and the answer sparked something in me, i'm not easily sparked, especially by a movie but the answer did touch me and made me want to work for the betterment of the world even more now, so now i am sharing the response with the rest of you all:

‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?

You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others.’

- Marianne Williamson in Return to Love: Reflections on a Course in Miracles

Please read and enjoy, let the words resonate through you and if u get a chance, watch the movie too, it was worth it.

Delroy

the hands across roseau event is over now and by all accounts it went well but personally i feel there is alot of room for improvement, i might be harsh becuz i was the coordinator but i feel that i didnt get enough support from my organization and the private sector either, i was surprised at the level of involvement the private sector showed and the school children especially the 4H clubs put a strong effort into recognizing the day and many thanks goes out to them. alot of ppl put effort into the day and i would like to thank in my blog the following:
camille leblanc
wilbert wyllis
zilma charles
derrick theophile
mara abraham
Senator gloria shillingford
valda bruno.
if i forgot anyone please dont hold it against me, my head still hot from the day's event. just cant wait for next year's one, already have a plan in my head too. till next time, laterz

dee

well today is the day, i'm sitting at my office, waiting for my working committee and design committee to show up so we can put the finishes touches on the pavillion where we are goin to have the rally and march. i hope all goes well, there are a few things that were forgotten but the show must go on, wish us luck.

delroy