by Curlan Campbell
- GBA peace initiative calls for immediate ceasefire
- Last initiative formed in 2006 to intervene between the Bloods and Ginger Crew gangs
- GPIC activities includes “Peace Videos” and meetings with key figures involved in or perceived to be associated with warring gangs
Grenada Bar Association’s (GBA) inspired peace initiative has put out an open call for an immediate ceasefire followed by a roll-out of targeted interventions in response to rising gun-related crimes. This comes after incidences of gun-related crimes and fatal shootings with the most recent shooting ending fatally for Von “Wangy” Cyrus, a resident of The Carenage.
The GBA, led by its current President Francis Paul, assembled a coalition of professionals from the trade union movement, the business community, the mediators association, and the churches. This diverse group with varying backgrounds and skill sets aims to launch several crime-fighting strategies to address the root causes of crime.
The last time an initiative like this was formed was in 2006 when an intervention was needed to curb warring factions between the Bloods and Ginger Crew gangs.
As a part of the coalition, the GBA has sought the assistance of Dr Neals Chitan, an International Social Skills Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist. He has a successful track record in spearheading crime reduction both regionally and internationally. Dr Chitan is the President and Founder of Motiv-8 For Change International, a Toronto-based Social Skills Agency. His “Stop ‘n’ Think” Community Empowerment and Crime Reduction Programme, introduced in both St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, has implemented strategies to help individuals, families, and communities deal with various behavioural issues and criminal tendencies.
In recent weeks, the GBA established the Grenada Peace Initiative Committee (GPIC) through discussions involving Archbishop Michael Marshall of the Anglican Church, Pastor Stanford Simon of the Springs Open Bible Church, Christopher De Allie of the National Mediators Association, Petipha Lewis of the Grenada Chamber of Commerce, and André Lewis, President General of the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union (GTAWU), representing the trade union movement.
“From our committee’s point of view, we have a methodology we are following. The first part of the rollout, of course, is the media aspect, where we create public awareness. The second part will involve community engagement, where we connect with specific communities. We plan to connect with individuals and groups within these communities. The third level will focus on mediation, where we aim to bring together key figures from different neighbourhoods to help resolve issues. Finally, the fourth level involves treatment, where we seek to implement programmes that address the issues we have identified,” Dr Chitan explained.
During Monday’s press conference, Paul explained that lawyers involved in criminal defence work to earn a living by representing offenders. However, he emphasised that the escalating levels of crime require them to take a stand against violence. “Folks may ask why lawyers practicing the Criminal Division come in and say that they want to have a reduction in crime and how would they earn? But then the larger picture is you want to save society. We all live in this society and you want to ensure that it is it is our duty as well.” He also stated that addressing the increase in violent crimes will involve those engaged in these activities to discourage others within their community from doing the same.
Paul provided a comprehensive list of resources and strategies that will be used during the campaign. These include accurate crime statistics, adequate resources for crime-fighting agencies, accessible programmes for conflict resolution and anger management, effective prison rehabilitation and reform, increased resources for the court system to reduce pre-trial delays, adherence to the constitutional requirement of a fair trial within a reasonable time, and appropriate legislative interventions. These are all key components of any crime-fighting strategy.
He mentioned the assistance of Attorney at Law and MP for the Town of St George, Peter David, who, when requesting bail for one of his clients, petitioned the court to attach the condition that the client must assist the GPIC in spreading the message to curb violence.
Before the members of the GPIC addressed the media on Monday, 10 June 2024, David made a similar call to stop the violence last Friday during the funeral service for Cyrus at St Paul’s Anglican Church. Specifically addressing the young men of the nation, David made a clarion call for peace. “And while the crimes that we have witnessed respect no demographic, I especially address our young men today on this altar in the presence of a grieving community,” he said. “In the presence of the women and men who gave birth to you and struggle to raise you, please I implore you, cease violence, for all it leaves in its wake are the tears of your mothers and your children. They have shed too many tears.” He also stressed the importance of mentorship in addition to intervention. “Our collective lesson as a community is that we must come together to find a way to save our sons and daughters, including developing systems for mentorship and deepening a sense of community. My brothers and sisters, I implore all of us together to restore peace,” he said.
Lewis pledged support for this initiative and added his voice to the call for a ceasefire and the promotion of peace.
The GPIC has already released a poster in support of the current Gun Amnesty. The poster calls on all concerned to “Let’s Bring back the Peace by putting down that Piece.” This is part of a week of activities that include media programmes, school visits, the release of “Peace Videos”, and meetings with key figures involved in or perceived to be associated with warring gangs.