In a show of hope for a better T&T, burgesses of Diego Martin came together yesterday to erect a peace pole in the new borough.
A peace pole is an internationally-recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth.
To manager of the project, Wayne Fullerton, of the Diego Martin Rotary Club, the pole is not just an object that was erected and will be forgotten but stands as a reminder of the peace the borough deserves.
In his speech at the unveiling, Fullerton called for a moment of silence for the violence and conflict seen daily in this country.
“I will just ask everyone to join me with a ten-second moment of silence just for the violence that has been happening in the country and by extension the world,” Fullerton said.
He called on the burgesses of Diego Martin to sow seeds of hope and compassion for generations to come.
Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner echoed his message, saying, “As we plant this peace pole today, let us reflect on its message and commit ourselves to living in a way that promotes peace, understanding, and cooperation.”
At the ceremony, a time capsule was also buried. According to the club, it contains mementos and messages that reflect the spirit of Rotary, a spirit of service, friendship, and understanding that transcends borders and generations.
Several students from various schools in the borough were given two minutes to speak on what peace meant to them.
“I consider peace to be an act of coming together as one entity to stand a face any challenges we encounter,” a student from Diego Martin North Secondary shared.
A student from Diego Martin Central saw peace as “respect.”
President of the Interact Club of St Anthony’s College, Zion Vallenilla, said, “Peace is the part we take for bringing growth.”
There are more than 200,000 peace poles in 180 countries, including two more in Port-of-Spain and Chaguanas.
