Sunday 21 September 2014 is the day that the Caribbean joins the rest of the world in observing International Day of Peace.  The Region, unfortunately, as with the rest of the world, is confronted with a wide range of threats to peace and security, including widespread violence, and violence and injustice against children, women and even entire communities.

In joining with worldwide efforts for peace this year, the Caribbean Community has released the animated works developed by youth on the topic of love and belonging. More than twenty young persons, ages 15-29 worked together, using their newly learned skills in animation to create animated short films in a community based workshop, held on 28-31 July 2014 in Georgetown, Guyana. Building on the principle that a young person’s sense of belonging begins at home where they are being accepted and loved, the workshop engaged these youth in expressing the importance of respect, love and approval in developing a positive attitude and a feeling of self-confidence and identity.

The animation video “Love and Belonging” shows the stories told by youth of how people should live together in peace. The video also features the official CARICOM song “Celebrating CARICOM”, written and performed by Dominican artist Michele Henderson, which was launched at the Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda in July 2014.

In observing International Day of Peace, the Caribbean Community calls on all to make a permanent commitment to peace. Mutual respect, understanding, open communication, love and care lead to a healthy self-esteem and well-being and contribute to peace. The wisdom of Mother Teresa’s message should in this regard be used as guidance: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Investing in human development is one of the top priorities in the recently approved Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community. The Plan aims at improving the quality of life for citizens of the Region through concrete action on matters of direct relevance and benefit to all.