The latest crime fighting initiative here has heard calls for music to be used to fight the scourge of crime.
At Friday’s CariMan Symposium on Violence, participants were told by the organisation’s Vice President Oliver Wallace, that it is not enough to say that music encourages violence, but that it was necessary to turn that aspect of the problem into a positive by making anti-crime and pro-peace music to encourage the youth, especially young men, to distance themselves from acts of violence.
He also called for practical, action-oriented ideas to tackle what’s seen as an increase in acts of violent crime on the island.
CariMan Dominica’s President Thomas Holmes said his group was, along with the rest of the society, ready to work against the kind of violence he said was “destroying our people, destroying our land” and having a negative impact “on the very fabric of society”.
“Can we leave our homes without fear of returning to see them burglarized,” Holmes queried while addressing the symposium.
“Can we send our children on an errand, to the park, at school, to the river, to church without the fear of someone violating or abusing them,” he asked further.
He also lamented recent attacks on tourists, a development seen as a growing trend in areas frequented by visitors to the island.
Education Minister Peter St Jean, one of the speakers at the function, said he was concerned that violence threatens to derail the efforts being made to build a nation of peace.
The minister commended CariMan Dominica for their involvement in the efforts to tackle violent crime, and said the group’s efforts supports the government’s outreach programme on violence.
The symposium included discussi0ns on the types of violence and criminal activity being displayed in Dominica by perpetrators and the impact on victims, as well as what can be done to reduce violence in the country.
A panel discussion on the subject was also scheduled to focus on “The Negative Impact of Violence on Our Dominican Society”.
I come for a visit to see beautiful Dominica in end february for a few weeks…. i gonna bring some musical instrument…. small things… one nylon string guitar… some harmonicas and recorders.. and a few books on music theory, chords etc…. ( and some art supplies ) i will be looking for some organization like this that will get these things in to the hands of kids that will use them…. music can lift the spirit and change your life… i look forward to hearing some good local music and hope to have a peaceful visit …
Boys like to fight i don’t know what there seeing in fighting
This is a step forward to hopefully ridding Dominica of the types of such criminal activities.
Music is good for the soul. Shakespeare said: “If music be the food of love play on.” However, not all types of music will achieve what is proposed for those who commit crimes. We know that certain types of music propagated evil works.
It never ceases to amaze me that many try to help but without the help of God and without mentioning his name. If people keep God out of their plans they are putting themselves up for failure. Too many keep Him out of their lives and also meeting places and expect they will progress in their efforts. God knows better.
All Christians should know that the reason for increased crimes and atrocious ones is as a result in overall godlessness. These days many are doing their own thing and appear to have no need for God. Therefore, as Christians, this is where you must commence and end. May God assist you accordingly.
sir u cannot fight crime at all we meet it
I agree that some of the music played on the radio does say horrible things. Lack of respect for women, and does incite violence. Yes, I totally agree that music/songs that will encourage love,harmony, peace and joy to everyone. This would certainly make a difference, and bring about change.
Recently,I was just thinking, how good it would be to have a “loud speaker” in the prison, with the songs of “Grace Williams” coming through. Her songs supernaturally helps to bring deliverance, and healing to those who listen,and are in need.
Is this just another nice Title or a serious move towards rectifying the real challenges that Dominica faces?!Why don’t they have a group comprise of young and old and try to come up with real, concrete solutions. The ones who are hurting and are at risk are not involved in the process. You have to make it inclusive not exclusive! This is not a club for the few. We are dealing with real, genuine concerns that the country faces.
Hurray! That’s what we need, the voice of the men in our society. Time to put down your feet.
TIME THIS COUNTRY PUT DOWN ITS KNEES AND PRAY
One needs to be very selective in the TYPE of music used!