Candidates and the peace process

ON FRIDAY, October 11, the peace walk by the Meadhaven Ministers' Fraternal through the community of Maverley climaxed after one and a half hours with all the contending political candidates shaking hands and with the PNP candidate, Mrs. Nenna Wilson, remarking that it was the second time that her hand was touching her main opponent, Mr. Derrick Smith. The candidates chuckled and the people laughed and it is hoped that it could be the dawn of a new day in that community.

The walk was painful because it brought back memories for Mr. Smith who reported the death of a supporter, Carl Campbell, through violence; and Mrs. Wilson also recalled that about two months earlier her son was killed. The walk led us to two spots where persons died and at each stop there was a pause for prayer, a commitment to peace and a re-affirmation of the importance of all life.

In addition, the pastors from various congregations including Pastor Moore of the Mennonite Church, Rev, Dr. Sam Green of Grace Missionary Church, Rev., Franklyn Jackson of the Church of the Transfiguration and Rev. Gilbert Bowen of the Saxthorpe Methodist Church and the other candidates, Dr. Rose-Marie Higgins (NDM/NJA) and Mr. Dilpie Champagnie of the Imperial Ethiopian World Federation, walked the main road and also visited the side streets that were all blocked as a defence against 'drive by' attacks.

From the highway of Washington Boulevard one would not realise that the people are living in fear. These same people in a small community used to live in peace and harmony but after the announcement of the election date top Maverley and bottom Maverley are at daggers drawn. Strangely however, it seems that both PNP and JLP candidates know people in all sections of the community and no abuse was directed at any candidate as we travelled along. Perhaps the presence of the president of the Citizens Association and other civic-minded persons helped this.

This peace walk was a culmination of a series of meetings hosted by the Meadhaven Ministers Fraternal at which political candidates from St. Andrew North Western and St. Andrew North Central were in attendance. These meetings were scheduled from September before the date was announced and the aim was to hear the plans of the candidates and what role they envision for the Church in particular and civic society on a whole. However, the meetings were overshadowed by political tensions and so the discussions were dominated with strategies to ease the tension and to ensure free and fair elections. In response to the question that no-one has ever heard of a political party disciplining a supporter for stone-throwing or other acts of violence or intimidation, Mrs. Barbara Clarke, PNP candidate for North Central, said she was not in the party long enough to answer that question while JLP candidate for North Central, Derrick Smith, said his Party Leader gave 13 names to then Commissioner Trevor MacMillan.

Barbara Clarke encouraged persons with children to keep them off the streets when a motorcade is passing so as to avoid injury. A vehicle in one of those motorcades hit a theological student and the driver did not even stop!

Derrick Smith supported with the idea of seeking a police outpost in Maverley although he pointed out that it was more a physiological comfort rather than a real one because there was a well-equipped police station at Duhaney Park that could adequately serve the needs of the residents of Maverley.

Another measure agreed on due to the recent volatility in the Maverley area was that the church leaders would provide election workers to replace those who were now reluctant to serve in that area. The Returning Officer, Derrick Brown, who is also a pastor, was pleased with that pledge to address any shortfall.

In addition, Pastor Aiken and Fr. Thompson who were in attendance were assigned to monitor volatile areas so that the Fraternal could be proactive when there is any hint of trouble. The Fraternal and politicians are committed to peace, healing and reconciliation.

Before the peace walk the pastors, politicians and others formed a circle in Maverley Park while Rev Colin Cowan of the Meadowbrook United Church prayed for healing and peace. The peace could have been broken because minutes before the prayer a young constable with gun in his hand approached a group of young men who swore by the virtues of ganja smoking. Thankfully, all the constable did was to seize an ice pick.

The Fraternal has pledged to organise local debates between the candidates and all the candidates welcomed this. This will be a tall order. The secretary of the Fraternal, Rev Duane Samm of the Pembroke Hall Methodist Circuit had a difficult time trying to get all the candidates to meet and discuss their plans and efforts at peace.

The National Debates was plagued with problems and some media practitioners boycotted the event. Nevertheless, it is important for there to be civilised debates which will encourage persons to discuss issues. This will help to keep the peace and enable the community to understand the plans and programmes of the candidates.

The Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church.