... ‘Every conflict has the potential to take life if not handled properly’ – Wilson
FOUNDED IN 2003, the August Town Peace Builders group operates on the principle that quick intervention can serve to de-escalate violence and save lives.
Group leader Kenneth Wilson conceptualised the initiative while participating in a course with the Summer Peace Building Institute at the Eastern Mennonite University in the United States in the 1990s.
Armed with knowledge in areas such as trauma healing, restorative justice and conflict transformation, he returned to Jamaica and immediately identified key members of the St Andrew community who would serve with him to engage youth and intervene to prevent all levels of conflict.
Since then, Peace Builders has managed to diffuse numerous conflicts.
“When we have the word that there is a conflict, we try to get involved to diffuse it before it escalates because we understand that every conflict has the potential to take life if it’s not handled properly,” Wilson said.
He attributes the effectiveness of the August Town Peace Builders to the fact that the members have managed to gain the trust and respect of the community.
“One of the things that is key about the Peace Builders is that we are consistent with our principles. We don’t waver, we don’t take sides, and we call a spade a spade. We know that once you are consistent in your principles and [you are] honest, there will be some level of understanding and appreciation from even the gangsters,” he said.
EARNED SUPPORT OF POLICE
Wilson said the group has also earned the support of the police, who see its work as critical in neutralising tensions and conflicts among residents.
He stated that the group receives positive feedback from the community while on the streets, as well as on social media platforms, and members are encouraged to continue their efforts.
“We believe in what we are doing, and we believe it is effective, and we believe that it saves lives, so we will continue,” he shared.
Wilson is calling on private- and public-sector support and the partnership of the Church for its operations and the implementation of programmes.
“I always tell people that one man can make a difference. One man can make an impact, so we have to get people to understand that each one of us can make a difference, and if you put each of us together, that will make an even greater impact,” the August Town Peace Builders president pointed out.