‘Orange Day’ highlights violence

Students march against domestic violence on ‘Orange Day’

High schools around the island joined hands with the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors to observe ‘Orange Day’ on Tuesday to help create awareness of violence against women and girls on the island.

The event started at the Roseau Bay Front with speeches from various persons who all advocated a tough stance against violence.

CARICOM Youth Ambassador Natasha Jervier-Maxwell said the aim of the day is to create a support system for those suffering from domestic abuse. “Our aim is to be a support system for those who suffer from these crimes and to promote intolerance to these problems,” she said.

She encouraged everyone to take a stance against abuse of women and girls and told them to wear orange in solidarity and in support of those victims.

President of Caribbean Male Action Network (CARIMAN) Thomas Holmes supported the call and said all forms of domestic abuse must be rejected. “We must reject all forms of violence including that against all males,” he said. “CARIMAN is in solidarity today to show that we boys and men can come together to end violence. Many of us boys and men do not want to stand up against violence because we are afraid of being rejected.”

He also pointed out that bullying is prevalent in the nations’ schools and should be addressed before it gets out of control. “Teach our young men to respect their sisters, all girls and their mothers. We must not tolerate and condone disrespect,” he said.

President of the Dominica National Council of Women Josephine Dublin-Prince, also addressed the issue of violence against women and suggested that ‘Orange Day’ be put on the national agenda and must be taken seriously.

She encouraged all young women to get educated and empower themselves to stand up against violence. She called on the authorities to put the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that girls and women are secured.

Carnival Queen 2012 Nadira Lando and Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports Justina Charles also gave solidarity messages at the event. They too encouraged women to stand up for themselves and speak out against violence.

Organizations involved in the initiative are Youth Development Division, National Youth Council, CARIMAN, DNCW, among others.

‘Orange Day’ ended with a march around Roseau.

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21 Comments

  1. March 27, 2015

    Beautiful young women!

    These girls are daughters, sisters, future wives, and the mothers of a coming generation.

    Teach them to honor the moral code God has given us in the New Testament. Let the young men realize that no man no man has a right to a woman’s body until he has given her his name. Sex belongs in marriage and is God’s gift to husband and his wife in a loving exclusive relationship. When young people see this exemplified in their parents and hear it taught by their parents in most cases they will adopt a chaste lifestyle and abuse against women will become less and less!

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  2. T mama
    September 26, 2012

    Persons have to come and tell the truth and be bold and unafraid…young people go and report the abuse….

  3. love
    September 26, 2012

    it relay woman time :)

  4. Country
    September 26, 2012

    See my Convent High School girls in their white T-shirts, black pants and orange headpieces.

  5. Jayson
    September 26, 2012

    Thinking realistically, do you think marching from here to jerusalem and back is going to stop someone from comming home drunk and beating up his woman?

    The only way these things can be stemmed is by implementing the teachings of His Majesty the Lord Jesus Christ.

  6. cool stuff
    September 26, 2012

    Its not just the physical violence but the emotional abuse as well. Positive day that should last a lifetime.keep it up D/ca

  7. Anonymous
    September 25, 2012

    The youth is taking a positive step. I see so many young people trying to make a positive difference. However, many times, the support is minimal. Let a young person commit a crime and then you would see comments here. We adults should stop crying down young people. Show some support!

  8. Big-Bannan
    September 25, 2012

    Let is pray that we end the violence and useless beatings children encounter at home and even in schools and the barbaric belief that “spare the rod and spoil the child” is correct. For it is the children who grow up being beaten, who become adults who in fact beat.

  9. possie long time
    September 25, 2012

    good job folks..this need to stop!

  10. Positive
    September 25, 2012

    No woman deserves to be abused! If your mate is abusing you, leave NOW! A man who loves his woman would not abuse her. He would love her like his own self. Stand against domestic violence now for yourself and future generations will be stronger for it. This issue affects all of us. Men join in and tell ur brothers love and respect their women. And the word “abuse” does not exist in loving relationships. Love is patient and kind.
    Great job students!

    • March 28, 2015

      True love is unconditional!

      We are not to hurt somebody back because they hurt us but rather repay them with kindness. This leaves no room for violence. It is not always easy to do but we are to be kind and helpful to people even when they do not deserve it. This is he way of unconditional love. It is all about GRACE!

      At times I have failed. But like the Apostle Paul I say, “…this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13,14)

      As Christians we know WE cannot live the Christian life. It is only CHRIST who can do that! The key to victory is to surrender to the cross and let HIM live in and through us.

      The secret is found in Galatians 2:20.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  11. me
    September 25, 2012

    I guess is only women who get beat

  12. D/can abroad
    September 25, 2012

    great gesture………….but a little more photos will be appreciated

  13. September 25, 2012

    hey! my woman beat me up last week…who matching against that?

    • ideal
      September 25, 2012

      because you most be bad or weak, thats why she beat you up

      • In China
        September 26, 2012

        He has a good point. No one marches for men. Men have to sit and be strong just cuz they are men. the march should be against all domestic violence

    • dons
      September 25, 2012

      You should step up and have your orange suit today.

    • Broken Promises
      September 26, 2012

      Lets have a white march for Violence against Men

    • September 26, 2012

      i will match for u tomorrow

  14. DA/Toronto
    September 25, 2012

    Very Very Proud to see this is finally happening and young women are making their voices heard PROUD

  15. J Vidal
    September 25, 2012

    Good stuff. Like seeing positive action by our youth. especially as it is a topic that plagues society. Keep it up!

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