A new organisation, Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), headed by Professor Barry Chevannes, is urging Jamaicans to join it in forming a “human chain” calling attention to the desperate need for peace tomorrow, March 6 which has been dubbed “Peace Day”.

The Alliance will stage three marches beginning at 3:00 pm, converging at 7:00 pm at the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) car park at Ocean Boulevard, downtown Kingston, where the human chain will be formed by the linking of arms at a mass rally.

A prayer for peace will be said by chairman of the Peace Management Initiative, Bishop Herro Blair, followed by an address by firebrand preacher, Rev Al Miller. The rally will also feature performances by several popular artistes on the theme of peace.

“The forming of this human link is to physically demonstrate our stance against violence and to signify that we remember and sympathise with those who have been affected by violence,” said Chevannes.

“Living in communities that are beset with criminal activity is not acceptable for anyone. No citizen of Jamaica should have to live like this. We also want to send that message that all Jamaicans must work together to make this island a truly peaceful and productive society,” he added.

Chevannes said the marchers will use one of three routes to downtown Kingston:

. The National Stadium along Mountain View Avenue to Windward Road, Victoria Avenue to South Camp Road to the UDC Car Park at Ocean Boulevard.

. Mandela Park in Half-Way-Tree to Cross Road, along Slipe Road to Torrington Bridge where they will make a right on King Street to Ocean Boulevard.

. Hunts Bay Police Station at Three Miles, along Spanish Town Road, right on to Darling Street, right on to Pechon Street and on to Ocean Boulevard. Other Peace Day activities tomorrow will include a concert beginning at 8:00 pm at the Vauxhall Secondary School in Kingston.

Yesterday, a church service was held at the Providence Methodist Church, Old Hope Road in Kingston; and the final round of the 10/10 community cricket competitions which comprise the “No Violence, Jus Bat for Peace” campaign was held over the weekend at the Jamaica College and the Mona High fields and the UWI Mona Bowl respectively.