“VIOLENCE IS NOT THE SOLUTION… IT IS THE PROBLEM”, “NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE”, “ADVENTISTS SAY NO TO VIOLENCE”
These were the words engraved on some of the posters that women and men of the Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, led by the Women Ministry and the Community Service Department, waved in the air as they participated in the “End it Now” motorcade from School Road, George Town to Sir John A. Cumber Primary in West Bay.
This is a yearly global initiative coming from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to raise awareness and advocate for an end to violence and abuse around the world. Mrs. Corry Chambers, the women’s ministry director, highlighted that it was a day’s activity as each local church across the island had an emphasis during the morning worship before assembling for the motorcade. She shared that her expectation from this event is to “sensitize the public about the church’s stance on abuse within the home.” She confidently shared that “the church does not condone any form of abuse, and they hope to provide help for those who have been victims as well as the perpetrators”.
Her vision for the church is to “create a safe space for these individuals where they can speak with trained professionals and get the opportunity to reset or restore their lives”.
As the members of the church drove in the more than forty (40) cars motorcade singing, honking horns and shouting, “End it Now”, members of the community watched as the colourful posters offered solidarity with the firm stance against violence against women, men, and children.
Upon arriving at the Sir John A. Cumber Primary, Sherelene Armstrong extended a warm welcome to the attendees, after which Hon. André Ebanks, the Deputy Premier, delivered official greetings. Ebanks, who also serves as the Minister for Financial Services & Commerce and the Minister for Investment, Innovation & Social Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing social issues such as abuse.
Following this was a panel discussion hosted by Elder Camile Beckford Johnson, offering deep insights into the complexities of abuse and recovery. The panel featured Dr. Jannice Beckford, Dr. Paulette Gayle, Director of Prisons Daniel Greaves, Sophia Alleyne, Renetta Toolsiram, Cassandra Fearon, and Pastor Andrew Campbell. Each panellist brought their unique perspective and expertise to the discussion, providing information and support strategies for those affected by abuse.
From the discussion, attendees were educated on some of the reasons violence occurs in the home, consequences for these acts as well as steps to take if one is experiencing any forms of abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of abuse, the following entities, both private and government agents, are there to provide help: the Department of Counselling Service, The Institute for Essential Care, and the RCIPS Protective Unit.
Take a stand with the Seventh-day Adventists as they say no to any form of violence – End It Now.
Cayman Islands | Written by: Petellee Jones, Editor: Devarro Whittaker | Photo Credit: Devarro Whittaker
