MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Peace Management Initiative (PMI) Western has announced a raft of activities in the parish of St James, in observance of International Day of Peace on Wednesday September 21.

Chairman of PMI Western Everton Jackson said the activities are aimed at bringing lasting peace to communities in the parish, which is seriously affected by crime and violence.

“The rate at which murders are committed in Jamaica, in particular St James, is frightening, disturbing and worrying. This is a serious developmental issue as it impacts the economy in a very negative way,” Jackson argued.

He was speaking at a media briefing held at the PMI Church Street offices in Montego Bay recently.

He said the activities, which will include church services on September 17 and 18; a poster competition for primary and high school students; tree planting and the establishment of peace gardens in communities will be held under the theme: “Building Blocks of Peace.”

The organisation will also undertake peace walks across Montego Bay, which will culminate in a rally at Sam Sharpe Square, St James.

International Day of Peace, also known as International Peace Day, came into existence through United Nations (UN) resolutions in 1981 and 2001._

The UN General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.