BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MOTHERS, children, other family members and close friends gathered at the Independence Square yesterday (June 2), where memorial crosses were laid in remembrance of victims of violence from 2007 until now.
It was the second annual Peace Concert organized by Operation Future with aims to make people aware of how many persons had been lost to gun violence or tragic acts, and to sensitize people about what happened. All of this was to help to bring an end to the violence and prevent further pain and suffering.
Many of the mothers who lost their sons brought flowers and picture frames of them in happier times to place by their crosses.
“I cannot speak right now I have been crying since I got here,” said the mother of Ken White who was killed last year on May 23, along with Ikimba Bradley after a shooting incident in Lodge Housing Project.
Amoy Roberts, sister of Elvis Roberts of Cayon, said that seeing her brother’s picture on the cross brought back memories of the dreadful night (April 27, 2010) he was killed.
Another mother in tears said that she cannot believe her son was gone, “Every single day I miss him.”
Not every mother was in tears; a mother who had lost both her sons to the gang violence was standing next to their crosses dancing and smiling.
“I can’t keep myself down, I have other children to look after,” she said.
Another said that she thought it was a great initiative because it felt like even though no one has been charged for her son’s death, the event made it feel like he has not been forgotten.
Powerful performances and encouraging words rang out through the square especially from those in Her Majesty’s Prison who used poetry and song to administer their message of encouraging the youth to refrain from gun violence and gangs.
Other performers included Nicha B, Footsy, L.K, Jungles, D.C, Kashman, King I-Soursop and King Astro.
The Green House Band of Nevis gave several musical selections while Calypso Reggie was the host of the event.
In an interview with SKNVibes during the concert, President of Operation Future, Lauston Percival said that it has been bitter sweet.
“When you look at the parents looking at their dead loved ones, it is real sorrowful, real bitter; I saw a lady kneeling by the cross of her son for a half an hour, crying. So that touched me a lot. It is sending the message we want to send. We don’t want people to forget what took place in the past,” he said.
He said that he was pleased with the response and turnout despite the forces who did not agree with what they were doing.
“I’m happy Operation Future was able to pull off something like this. There were some people who were trying to block this, but instead of trying to fight what we’re doing, come on board and help us!”
The crosses will be stored by Operation Future and used for future events they plan to have and may be used in the rural areas as well.
Percival said he would like to thank S.L. Horsford & Co.Ltd for assisting them with the boards to erect the crosses; Four Seasons Home Owners Association for donating the paint, and the inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison for painting the crosses.
He said the crosses were made by Dan MacMullin whom he described as a “godsend” to Operation Future.
“Since Dan came on board it has been up and up for Operation Future and I will always be thankful to him,” he said. “I also want to thank members of Operation Future for whatever they did to make this event a success.”
Dan MacMullin said that it was an emotional experience to build the memorial but it was worth it seeing the parents and community come together.
“For the artistes to come together in a short space of time to do it, just shows we have a strong community; we want to come together and put an end to the violence,” he said.
Operation Future is a group of police officers and community members who are desirous of changing the face of the police by bringing back that community/police relationship.
“We thought it best to get members of the community involved to build that police community relationship. We go to the schools and speak to the children and do many community presentations on anything from sexual abuse to drugs to bullying and gangs,” said Percival.
