The island’s youth called on residents to live in peace during an antiviolence demonstration today in Hamilton.

Several dozen schoolchildren walked across the city in a stand against violence organised by Youth Vision Promotions, a community organisation that promotes pacifism and social responsibility.

Under the banner “Saving Lives Together,” pupils, teachers and supporters marched from Bernard Park to City Hall, where they heard songs of peace and words of encouragement.

They chanted “live in peace” as passers-by watched.

Nicole Fox, of the group Mothers On A Mission, told children of the potentially life-changing consequences of their choices.

She said: “I have buried two sons — one was my biological son and the other was my stepson.

“Young men and women, the choices you make today will reflect where you end up tomorrow. Don’t ever think that you’re too young or it will not happen to you.

“I’m a mother that has been destroyed by the violence in our community today, devastated. I lost everything; I had to rebuild everything.

“You are all worthy to take a step, worthy to say no. You’re all brilliant and have a powerful story.”

Ms Fox lost her 25-year-old son Ricco Furbert in 2013 to a double murder at Belvin’s Variety Store on Happy Valley Road in Pembroke.

The life of her stepson, Clark Fox, was claimed by a shooting in March 2020.

She told The Royal Gazette: “My country and my people are so valuable to me and having lost people in the community … personally, it has affected my whole life.

“I want to be a part of change, and I think the younger children need to know exactly what they are getting into before it’s too late.”

Desmond Crockwell, the director of Youth Vision Promotions, urged children to live in peace. He said he was satisfied that they felt empowered.

Mr Crockwell added that although it was the end of the school year, students of several schools such as Warwick Academy, Somersfield Academy and St David’s Primary managed to attend.

“The message is that the young people’s lives are valuable, and we want people to know that their lives are valuable. We want the community to know that their lives are valued.”