WOMEN'S GROUP PLANS PEACE GARDEN

May 2, 2005 - (Fiji Times) Thanks to the Pan Pacific South East Asia Women's Association, people needing peace and comfort from their stress-filled lives can escape to a soon-to-be created Peace Garden in central Suva.

PPSEAWA chairwoman Ravesi Johnston said the $30,000 project, which had its groundbreaking ceremony last Friday, would be an added attraction in the Capital City.

"As the country looks for avenues for the attainment of peace and reconciliation after the 2000 coup our organisation believed the challenge for a peace garden could not have come at a better time," Mrs Johnston said.

"We organised activities to promote peace and the idea of a Peace Garden was taken on board.

"We just need to look around us to see the increase in stress-related activities such as suicide, domestic violence, rape, wife and child abuse, and other criminal and antisocial activities.

"That is why the PPSEAWA felt the city needed a public place where citizens, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can regard as a kind of a haven, a sanctuary, and a place of escape when they are stressed. A place that emanates an aura of peace, where one can unwind and meditate to find peace. A place where can retreat to and be alone with one's thoughts."

From: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=20621