MANCHESTER, Jamaica --- The town of Mandeville in Central Jamaica was on Tuesday officially declared the first Peace Town in the Caribbean by the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) and SKAL International (the world’s largest membership organisation of travelling tourism executives).
Brooks Park Sports and Recreational Complex in the town was named a “Peace Park” and a Peace Garden started with ten Ortanique seedlings a hybrid of the orange and tangerine fruit said to have its origins in Manchester.
IIPT is a non-profit organisation started in 1986 by American Louis D’Amore who was present for the occasion. The IIPT is founded on a vision for “the world largest industry -- travel and tourism, becoming the world’s first global peace industry.”
IIPT founder Louis D'Amore (second right) cutting the ribbon on the peace plaque that was unveiled at Brooks Park. Sharing in the occasion (from left) are Superintendent in Charge of Operations for Area 3 Harry Daley, Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous and Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay. (Photo Gregory Bennett)
Organisers say the purpose of the declaration is to identify to the world that Mandeville is actively committed to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental awareness and sustainable social and economic development.
The ceremony which was held at Brooks Park, which is current under renovation, was part of a Community-based Tourism Study Tour and Conference of the Caribbean chapter of the IIPT in association with the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network.
“This concept of a Peace park, although not new, is relatively new to this side of the world… As we approach the 200th anniversary of Manchester as a parish we are adding another accolade to our repertoire; in addition to having the first Golf Course and Tennis Club (and) the first Horticultural Society in the Western Hemisphere. I therefore gladly lend my support in promoting Mandeville as the first Peace Town in the Caribbean. We will no doubt move Mandeville towards becoming the central domain for community and heritage tourism,” Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay told the audience.
She told the OBSERVER ONLINE following the declaration that the Manchester Parish Council contributed over $100,000 to the peace plaque that was unveiled and she believes the funds were “well-spent.”
“Let’s start the first peace epidemic in this country, starting with Manchester. Just as how these fledgling trees will grow so I hope this peace movement will grow. I intend to work very hard for peace,” Chairman of the Brooks Park Board of Directors Dr Clifton Reid commented.
Brooks Park Sports and Recreational Complex in the town was named a “Peace Park” and a Peace Garden started with ten Ortanique seedlings a hybrid of the orange and tangerine fruit said to have its origins in Manchester.
IIPT is a non-profit organisation started in 1986 by American Louis D’Amore who was present for the occasion. The IIPT is founded on a vision for “the world largest industry -- travel and tourism, becoming the world’s first global peace industry.”
IIPT founder Louis D'Amore (second right) cutting the ribbon on the peace plaque that was unveiled at Brooks Park. Sharing in the occasion (from left) are Superintendent in Charge of Operations for Area 3 Harry Daley, Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous and Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay. (Photo Gregory Bennett)
   IIPT founder Louis D'Amore (second right) cutting the ribbon on the peace plaque that was unveiled at Brooks Park. Sharing in the occasion (from left) are Superintendent in Charge of Operations for Area 3 Harry Daley, Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous and Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay. (Photo Gregory Bennett) #slideshowtoggler, #slideshowtoggler a, #slideshowtoggler img {filter:none !important;zoom:normal !important}  1/1 |
The ceremony which was held at Brooks Park, which is current under renovation, was part of a Community-based Tourism Study Tour and Conference of the Caribbean chapter of the IIPT in association with the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network.
“This concept of a Peace park, although not new, is relatively new to this side of the world… As we approach the 200th anniversary of Manchester as a parish we are adding another accolade to our repertoire; in addition to having the first Golf Course and Tennis Club (and) the first Horticultural Society in the Western Hemisphere. I therefore gladly lend my support in promoting Mandeville as the first Peace Town in the Caribbean. We will no doubt move Mandeville towards becoming the central domain for community and heritage tourism,” Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay told the audience.
She told the OBSERVER ONLINE following the declaration that the Manchester Parish Council contributed over $100,000 to the peace plaque that was unveiled and she believes the funds were “well-spent.”
“Let’s start the first peace epidemic in this country, starting with Manchester. Just as how these fledgling trees will grow so I hope this peace movement will grow. I intend to work very hard for peace,” Chairman of the Brooks Park Board of Directors Dr Clifton Reid commented.