TCF to take violence anti-message into schools

Peace Sign

Published in Barbados TODAY: Monday, October 2, 2023

Jacqueline and Daniel Caesar, fuelled by their profound love for their son, have channelled the pain of his untimely passing into a purposeful mission to carry on his legacy.

The Tyrese Caesar Foundation Against Gun Violence stands as a tribute to the memory of a young man whose life was tragically cut short, leaving an enduring impact on those who knew and cherished him.

In observance of the International Day of Peace, the foundation hosted its inaugural charity dinner, Peace Amidst the Blue at the Gun Hill Signal Station on Saturday night.

Meticulous attention to detail was apparent from the moment guests set foot on the lush grounds. The chosen theme of royal blue was elegantly incorporated into both the decor and the attire of the well-dressed attendees.

Against the backdrop of the island’s panoramic landscape beneath the starry night sky, the evening commenced with a delightful cocktail reception. Taking the reins as MC, Krystal Austin skillfully guided the evening’s proceedings. A feature address was delivered by Nicholai Peters, Prime Minister of the Barbados Youth Parliament and childhood friend of the late Tyrese Caesar.

The programme featured captivating the well-loved Krosfyah frontman, Edwin Yearwood.

Yearwood’s spirited performance of some of his top hits got the audience in a dancing mood. In keeping with the evening’s theme, his Peace Sign.

The band Breaking Point then took to the stage, led by the mother-daughter vocal duo of Peach Bless and Asanta Blossom. The ensemble showcased their versatility with a medley of soca and reggae selections, infusing the event with a vibrant and diverse musical dimension.

As the event ended, Jacqueline Caesar expressed her heartfelt gratitude. “This event was fabulous for us. We really felt the support of corporate Barbados and companies who supported the foundation. We had representatives from FirstCaribbean Bank who were on board with us,” she told Barbados TODAY.

Caesar particularly appreciated the presence of youth among the 150 people in attendance, including members of their H.Y.P.E (Helping Young People Excel) programme.

She said the foundation is getting ready to take its anti-violence message throughout the island’s schools.

“In October, we will see a full launch of our Anti-Violence Programme within both the primary and secondary schools. We will be going into schools and doing some presentations and giving some materialsto help shape the behaviours of children in school,” she said.

The primary objective of the Tyrese Caesar Foundation Against Gun Violence is to equip young people with the essential skills necessary to navigate challenges.

“The youth have remained our focus and the upcoming months will see us pushing our anti-violence peace programme throughout the primary and secondary schools,” Caesar emphasised.

“Join forces with organisations such as this one. We have a long-term vision for the youth to support them academically, psychologically, and emotionally. Help us rebuild broken behaviours and violent lifestyles, help us make inroads into new territories to support and develop communities and rebuild the broken societal parts of our nation.”

Caesar extended her heartfelt thanks to the management of Sky Mall for their generosity in providing their conference room which is used to facilitate some of their essential sessions, and the management of the Gun Hill Signal Station for providing the venue free of cost.