Finding Paths to Community

As someone from the outside, someone from European descent, someone who wears similar skin color to a white stereotype that often says here in the Village, “We need white people like Maureen to start village programs” or “If Maureen not here my child not going in to no program organized by village people,” I find it challenging to be an active participant in the planning, coordinating and facilitating village community programs. Internalized attitudes from generations of colonialism, oppression and slavery continue to enslave many minds and attitudes; attitudes that reinforce internalized and externalized racism and create distrust and hate amongst people making it difficult to see the wealth of expertise and resources that come from one’s neighbors, family and community.

This year I take to the sidelines and become a supportive role so people in the village can see their colonial way of thinking is faulty and inconsistent. I search for ways I can use my passion for community peace education and writing in a more supportive role. I decide to write articles for local newspapers highlighting the strengths, assets, natural and human resources the Village possesses and that are now unfolding into various community activities, events and programs today. This I share with you:


Human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places - and there are so many- where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
Zinn, 2004

Inspired by the passage above I reflect and write about the community of Harford Village, St. Andrew’s; a community I have lived for the past 17 years. I am inspired to write about the positive attitudes and actions that have transformed into community events, programs, and activities over the past couple years; proving once again that we are a community with many strengths, assets and resources.

Harford Village has a history of community togetherness that is sometimes lost in the confusion of negativity and chaos. I believe that once a community is able to focus on positive examples of community spirit and action, the negative will take less precedence. Writing this article is an opportunity to share with the rest of the nation the positive activities that make our Village strong and unique.

For the past few years the community has hosted a series of “Peace Through Art” programs for the youth and children of the Village. These programs focus on providing safe and youth-friendly environments for kids to learn and practice various peace building skills. The kids focus on finding peace within themselves, families, schools and community. They use a variety of creative expressions such as poetry, dance, drama, and visual arts to explore, identify, and exercise peace. The most recent program was a one week Easter Program coordinated and facilitated by Alice Noel and Stephanie George. For the past two summers Harford Village has also hosted a July Peace Camp led by various youth leaders like Alison Harris, Alice Noel, Sheldon Mitchel and Appalonia Whiteman.

Recently the youth leaders, inspired by Loyd Bartholomew, started an African dance and drum group. The group meets every Monday and Thursday to practice various dances to the beat of African drum. The group is called the Harford Village Youth Achievers and they have already performed for a visiting group of Canadian students and for a community information session with the Grenada Fire and Police Department. Presently the Village Youth Group is exploring various ways to raise funds in order to purchase dance uniforms and visit other parts of the island to perform. Some of the fund raising initiatives include making and selling popcorn on Sunday evenings, organizing community movie nights and planning a community night of sharing talents.

For Mother’s Day this year a group of Village men led by Mr. Leslie Felix organized, with the help of many Village mothers, a Mother’s Day breakfast and evening fete. Mothers were treated to a breakfast of fried breadfruit, coconut bakes, salt fish, calalloo bakes, coffee and coco tea. In the evening a DJ played vintage reggae while a pot of fish broth stewed on the fire. The community was alive for the whole day and evening celebrating and honoring the Mothers of the Village and the Nation!

Mr. Joseph Pierre recently shared his passion for hiking by taking village youths to various natural sights on the island like the Boiling Spring in St. Andrew, Mt. St. Catherine and Mt. Qua Qua.

The Harford Village Community Centre was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan and Emily and was re built by Community members. The Centre stands today as a vital asset to the community; this is evident by the many activities the Centre has housed over the past few years, activities such as church events, youth programs, blockos, bingos, and cultural celebrations.

Working within the field of community development over the past ten years, I continue to realize how essential it is for communities to highlight the strengths, assets, and resources they possess first and foremost. By doing so people are inspired, encouraged, and empowered to move forward; mobilizing and creating more opportunities for community development and success.