With Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in the rear-view mirror and an election on the horizon, a community worker said it was time to foster some “unity in the community”.

Now Desmond Crockwell, the director of YouthVision Promotions, has organised the Live in Peace Expo and Concert, to be held next Saturday from noon to 6pm at St David’s County Cricket Club.

The anti-violence event will feature speakers, entertainers, and information tents with the themes of unity, peace and love.

Mr Crockwell said: “After Covid-19, I think people felt separated and isolated when it comes to larger community events.

“We need a sense of unity in the community, particularly now with an election called because there is a sense of separation and division.”

He added: “This is an event that can be a catalyst of some sort to bring people together, even if it’s for one day.

“It’s about listening to others’ stories. It’s about having a heart and showing compassion to one another.”

He told the public: “So come and enjoy the day, come and enjoy five hours of entertainment and unity and support our young people in particular.” Mr Crockwell, who also produces the magazine Visionz, said groups scheduled to take part included the Open Your Heart Foundation community organisation, violence support group Mothers on a Mission, Social Justice Bermuda, Kiara’s Movement, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, and Gina Spence Productions.

Entertainers include former Bermuda Idol winner Larrita Adderley, John Seymour with special guest, Lijah Symonds, the Gina Spence liturgical dancers, and the H & H Gombeys.

Mr Crockwell said community activists including Kellan Lewis, Antonio Belvedere, Ryan Robinson-Perinchief, Makai Dickerson, Ceble Crockwell, Denise Bowens-Tucker and Michaele (Parfitt) Smith will also play an important role at the event.

He added: “They are the young minds, the progressive minds, and we want them to draw out their peers.

“We want to help people who need help, the people who have anger and/or mental health issues, who are turning to drugs and violence.

“We need the community to come out and learn how to support these young men and women.”

Mr Crockwell said Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley was also expected to take part in the event.

Activities and games for children, including an inflatable slide, will also be featured.

Mr Crockwell said the cricket club had approval for an event of up to 325 people, but that he hoped to get authorisation for 400 people to attend.

The festivities, which will start from 1pm, will wrap up with a speech by Mr Crockwell at 5.45pm.

• Tickets are $20 and available from Kit ‘n’ Caboodle, Choices Men’s Wear and Satronics Enterprises in Hamilton, The Flame restaurant on North Shore Road in Devonshire, and Dub City Variety in Bailey’s Bay. They are also available online at www.ptix.bm