A group of community figures are encouraging people to take part in the National Day of Peace today.

Twelve people from a range of backgrounds signed up to a statement in support of the event, organised by the Ministry of National Security.

The statement said: “We are expressing our wholehearted support for the intention of the event, to foster an atmosphere of unity in our community.

“That said, we know that there are residents who would wish to attend, but due to circumstances, will not be available.

“There will be others who concur with the intention of the event, but will look to alternate ways to foster unity.

“This National Day of Peace also offers our community an opportunity to reflect on the recent decade and more, during which so many have lost their lives through tragic circumstances.

“Our mindful consideration of this difficult chapter will promote collective healing throughout our society.

“We suggest that the minister’s open invitation potentially offers a touchstone.

“There are those who will attend the event in person, while others will not be present at the stadium, for a variety of reasons.

“However, within this initiative, there is an opportunity for all of us to connect in spirit, on the National Day of Peace.”

The signatories were activist Tulani Bulford, former MP Dale Butler, activist Sheelagh Cooper, North Village Community Club president Shervin Dill, Senate president Joan Dillas-Wright, Family Centre executive director Martha Dismont, Glenn Fubler of Imagine Bermuda; Hamilton mayor Charles Gosling, Imam Basim Muwwakkil, Crossroads Community Club president Saleem Talbot, Curb chairwoman Lynne Winfield and Bermuda National Trust executive officer Bill Zuill.

The message called for people to connect with someone they do not know.

It continued: “This could be a person in our neighbourhood, someone at our place of employment or a person that we encounter at the stadium.

“The goal of the conversation could be to exchange thoughts about what each person appreciates about living in Bermuda.

“This suggestion is to open the options of this initiative to include our entire resident population — everyone.

“If only 10 per cent of our island’s residents responded to the minister’s invitation, at least, in this way, we could jump-start moving towards the goal of fostering an atmosphere of unity.

“In essence, even for those not present at the event, by opening the options for everyone to join in spirit, we will indeed embrace all in our community.”

The event will be held at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire starting at 5pm.