Scores of students, representing several of the island's leading tertiary institutions, marched through war-torn Spanish Town yesterday, denouncing the violence which has been plaguing sections of the Old Capital.
By John Myers Jr.The peace march, which was organised by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Guild of Students, lasted for over two hours and under the watchful eyes of the St. Catherine police.
Damion Crawford, president of the guild, said the march was "To invoke upon society the social and political will that is necessary for effecting the change. It is to assist in curtailing the wave of crime that has been wreaking havoc on Spanish Town," he stressed. He pointed out that the will was especially lacking among the educated class of society whom he accused of neglecting the people.
OVER 40 DEAD
"We believe that the will is not there," Mr. Crawford said. "If there is no will, then certainly there won't be a way."
Spanish Town has been the scene of a spate of killings in recent years as rival factions within the dilapidated town fight to gain control of a thriving extortion racket. Over 40 people have been killed in the past three months, forcing the Government to impose curfews throughout most of the town.
To round off the march, a $100,000 cheque was handed over to the Spanish Town police by the UWI Guild to help, Mr. Crawford said, in the fight against crime. "We will be launching some initiatives to help the police in this fight," he added.
The peace march, which was launched in conjunction with student bodies from the Northern Caribbean University (NCU), the University of Technology (UTech), Excelsior Community College, and the Shortwood and Mico Teachers' colleges, started from the Spanish Town Hospital about 3:00 p.m., proceeded along Burke's Road and through De La Vega City, and then on to the bypass. The march continued on to Port Henderson Road and then back to Burke's Road before ending in a nearby bus park. The police ensured a smooth flow of the procession.
Residents of the communities were on hand to greet the marchers, many openly expressing their disgust with what has been taking place in their communities. "Yes wi want peace because a pure war," bellowed a female resident as she peeped over a tall concrete wall.
Her sentiments were echoed by a number of other residents who waved their hands in support of the marchers.
"It is a positive move and I hope it will influence other young people," a woman who gave her name as Sandra told The Gleaner.
"It is well worth it. I am confident that it will work."
