Fourth Caribbean peace walk draws hundreds across region despite Kingston curfew

Caribbean territories staged simultaneous peace walks for the fourth year under the Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light network, drawing hundreds of young people, community leaders and police officers across the region.

Marches took place in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, St Kitts, St Vincent, Antigua, St Lucia and Montserrat. Organisers said the coordinated effort was meant to promote unity, youth engagement and non-violence amid persistent social pressures.

In Kingston, participants gathered in Almond Town even as a curfew remained in force following recent violence in the area. Police officers on the route said they joined because protecting and sustaining peace in communities they serve is central to their role.

The International Peace Youth Group led the initiative with HWPL, UNESCO Jamaica and local authorities. A representative of the youth group said its mandate to promote world peace aligned with HWPL’s goals, and that young people should lead peace efforts during the year of the youth.

Terri Salmon of Yard Empire, which mentors at-risk youth through arts, sports and recreation, attended with young people she works with. She said peace starts with individuals, families and children, and that teaching youth about gender-based violence and sexual harassment can help break cycles of domestic abuse seen in the community.

Superintendent Mishka Farr, who heads the Kingston Central Division, said the fourth staging of the march is making a difference for those who take part. She said the message is to reject violence and choose safer paths within communities.

Markland Bedward, president of JCI Jamaica, said the walk shows that young people can shape positive change and must not stand aside from peacemaking. He said safer families, workplaces and business environments would follow where peace takes hold.

Participants also voiced hope that Caribbean nations can speak with one voice on the world stage, pointing to regional leadership examples and calling for collective action across the islands.