The LIV GUD School Invasion made a significant impact during a visit to Albion Primary and Junior High School in St. James on October 11. This forms part of the Ministry of National Security's ongoing efforts to promote peace and safety across the island.
The school initiative forms part of the LIV GUD Anti-violence Campaign to reduce violence and foster a culture of respect among young people, which also aligns closely with Jamaica’s broader national security goals.
Engaging the Youth
On the morning of the visit, students eagerly gathered, some visibly excited about the opportunity to participate in an initiative that directly addresses violence in their communities.
The presenters, including members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Case Managers of the Ministry of National Security, were met with enthusiastic applause. They discussed different ways to resolve conflict and shared practical strategies for students to live well with each other.
Corporal Leon Golding, one of the presenters, explained the initiative’s importance: “we are here to help you understand that violence is never the answer. By learning to LIV GUD with each other, we create safer communities. You are the future of Jamaica, and it starts with how you treat each other today.”
The interactive session included a puppet show that challenged the students to share ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. The approach helped simplify the complex topics of conflict resolution and the impact of violent behaviour.
Aligning with National Security Goals
The LIV GUD Anti-violence Campaign forms part of Jamaica’s wider strategy to address violence and crime, particularly among young people. The initiative is designed to support the country’s national security goals of reducing crime and promoting community safety.
The Ministry's mandate includes reducing the levels of violence across the island by targeting root causes such as poverty, lack of education and social inequality. By engaging schools, the Ministry hopes to foster a long-term cultural shift, where future generations grow up understanding the value of peace and the importance of conflict resolution.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang has emphasised the need for such initiatives in addressing crime at its core. “Violence reduction is not just about policing,” he said in a recent interview. “It is about changing the mind-set of our youth. Campaigns like LIV GUD aim to equip them with the attitude necessary to build a more peaceful and secure Jamaica.”
Positive Reception and Continued Efforts
The visit to Albion Primary and Junior High is part of a broader tour targeting schools across the island, to influence a peaceful school environment. The campaign is a proactive measure to address violent behaviours at its roots and the hope is that the initiative will encourage lasting change among the younger generation.
Guidance Counsellor Trishana Bedward-Christie was optimistic about the Campaign’s potential and the impact of the session: “the students were fully engaged and excited about the various presentations”.
Students expressed how the sessions influenced their thinking. Tyrese Taylor, a grade six student at the school, shared his thoughts: “I learned a lot about the importance of resolving conflicts, and that you should choose to be an agent of change, rather than being a part of the crime problem.”
The grade 4-6 Guidance Counselor highlighted that “resolving conflicts should be at the forefront of all our actions, as it promotes peace and understanding in our school communities.”
Mrs. Bedward-Christie further reiterated, “not all conflicts require confrontation, instead we should aim to handle disagreements with empathy, communication, and patience.”
As the LIV GUD Campaign continues to make its way through schools, it is clear that the initiative is not only teaching students how to avoid violence but also contributing to the Ministry’s broader vision of a safer, more peaceful Jamaica. By instilling these values early, the Campaign plays a critical role in creating a future where communities are built on understanding and respect rather than conflict and aggression.
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