On Thursday 24th October, 2024, the Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town embarked on an exciting initiative to foster Peace in the Virgin Islands. This significant project coincides occurs during Rotary’s Economic and Community Development Month. Held at a private ceremony at the Youth Empowerment Project in Fat Hogs Bay Tortola British Virgin Islands, this historic Peace Pole was dedicated, as the first of its kind in the British Virgin Islands.
Ms. Bianca Dougan, Deputy Director of YEP welcomed all to the Peace Pole Planting Ceremony as a collaboration between the Youth Empowerment Project and the Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town. She indicated that the poles are not only physically being planted, but seeds of unity, respect and compassion in our community are really what is being planted. The Youth Empowerment Project exist to inspire and uplift the next generation and planting a peace pole embodies what YEP stands for.
Assistant Governor Rosemarie Flax thanked Hon. Mather for the opportunity to erect the first Peace Pole in the British Virgin Islands and indicated that preventing conflict is necessary at this time when the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since 1945.
In addition, AG Rosemarie, stressed the important of preventing conflict, strengthening social cohesion and addressing the root cause of conflict. “Peace and Conflict Resolution” is one of Rotary Area of focus and it is filling to erect a Peace Garden on Rotary’s 108th year Anniversary to spread the message of Peace. “May Peace Prevail on Earth is inscribed in four Languages and it is absolutely necessary at this time in the BVI. BVI will be amongst over 200,000 poles worldwide.
President of the Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town, Faye Smith Penn stressed Rotary’s commitment to service and development in the society both economically and socially. Through initiatives such as these, organizations and businesses can partner with the Rotary Clubs to bring about lasting change. She encouraged students that the Peace Pole should be a symbol of Peace and everyone should represent peace.
“May peace prevail on Earth” is a global movement that aims to inspire peace and harmony in the world. The movement was started by Japanese teacher and philosopher Masahisa Goi (1916-1980) and this message is usually displayed on peace poles in local languages. Join the family of Rotary as they spread the message of Peace and Hope throughout the world.