The 9th Day of Healing – an initiative that brings together members of communities affected by crime in an outdoor event full of entertainment and other social activities— will be conducted at the Mahogany Street Extension Football Field, located behind the James Bartlett Hyde Building Complex on Mahogany Street on Sunday, February 23, from 9 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. There will be free food, refreshments, entertainment, and police security.
Organizer Perry “Stickz” Smith said that the event will feature sport competitions in football, basketball, and volleyball, as well as other fun activities such as marble-playing and running races. Winners of competitions will be issued with trophies and medals. There will also be local entertainers to entertain the crowd, such as Nello Player, TR Shyne, and Positive Vibes, among others.
Smith said that the aim of the Day of Healing is to engage community residents, in working together in order to take ownership of their communities for their own benefit. Smith further said that the community members working together will be able to recognize the talents and abilities of the future leaders — today’s youths. They will also be able to help them foster respect and love for one another, which will eventually lead to reducing the crime rate in the city.
To ensure the success of the event, Smith said, monetary donations are needed to purchase trophies, t-shirts, ingredients for the free meals and fuel for transportation, as well as to cover other administrative expenses. Donations can be sent to the Evangelist Credit Union, by Nazarene High School on Princess Margaret Drive in the name of Day of Healing Committee, or Smith can be contacted at 601-2342, or Ras Tol at 660- 2244 .
Those who wish to contribute can also cook food at their homes and bring it to the field to give to the participants.
Smith said that residents from the other communities who have experienced the Day of Healing are encouraged to come out to the event and to wear their shirts from their own Day of Healing events to show support and solidarity.
He reminds the public that the fun-filled event will be free of cost and all that is required is good behavior and respect.