The World’s Wish for Love and Peace Echoes
Through the Caribbean Pearl of St. Kitts & Nevis
Carrying the power of a wish for love and peace, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) continued its global goodwill journey in mid-to-late July 2025, making its first stop in the Caribbean at the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis—affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean.” This visit marked the 115th country reached by the FOWPAL cultural delegation. On July 14, the delegation visited the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Saint Kitts, where they met with the park’s General Manager, Mr. Percival Hanley. Deeply aligned with the principles of conscience and human rights, Mr. Hanley extended a special invitation to Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, to ring the historic bell atop the fortress—a bell that once rang during the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Dr. Hong rang the bell nine times to offer a heartfelt prayer for global peace and blessings.
Historically, the bell served as a warning system against approaching enemies, alerting soldiers to prepare for defense. After the fortress lost its military function, the bell came to be used for celebrations and ceremonial events. During this moment of cultural exchange and friendship, Dr. Hong rang the bell nine times—three times each for conscience, love, and peace. The sound resonated across the Caribbean Sea, symbolizing the World’s Wish for Love and Peace in a deeply meaningful way.
Brimstone Hill Fortress, originally designed by the British, was constructed using the forced labor of enslaved Africans. As a strategic military outpost during the colonial power struggle between the British and the French, it stands today as a powerful reminder of European imperialism and the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. During an interview, Mr. Hanley reflected on the history of the site, explaining that millions of stones were laid by enslaved Africans, piece by piece. Every time he walks through the site, he can feel their labor and touch the traces they left behind. For him, this evokes a certain level of conscience. “We are all humans. We are supposed to be all equal and we should all have the same rights and privileges—to exist on here, to earn, to try to progress.” He added, “I wish that with people like yourselves spreading love and peace throughout the world, it would not only evoke the consciences — especially of the leaders—but also ensure that love and peace spread, so everyone can have equal human rights.”
As a token of appreciation, Dr. Hong presented Mr. Hanley with a “Conscience Scarf,” a “Compass Clock of Conscience,” and a keychain with the "Smile of Conscience". With a touch of humor, Dr. Hong reminded him that if the compass clock ever stops, he should remember to replace the battery—so that one’s conscience never stops working.
The delegation ascended to the summit of the fortress, where they were greeted by sweeping views of the entire island and the turquoise sea beyond. Immersed in the intersection of nature and history, they reflected on the site’s symbolic significance—not only as a national landmark of Saint Kitts and Nevis but also as a testament to shared global heritage and a reminder to uphold peace and human rights.
The delegation also visited Bloody Point, a site of deep historical resonance. In the early 17th century, this location witnessed violent conflict between European colonizers and the indigenous Carib people. At the site, the delegation performed the song "The Power of Peace and Love," expressing their hope to heal historical wounds with love. They emphasized that peace is not a slogan, but a deep respect and care that must arise from within the human heart.
At other key locations—including Timothy Hill and Romney Manor—the delegation engaged warmly with visitors, inviting them to endorse the Declaration of International Day of Conscience, the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, and the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. These efforts aim to encourage individuals to take practical actions in their daily lives to foster a more peaceful and hopeful world.
Krystal, a visitor from Trinidad and Tobago, expressed that the delegation’s initiative is pretty good. She believes the world needs more positivity in it. She encourages the delegation to keep up, be good, spread good vibes, and spread love and peace. She definitely supports them.
Ms. Jamilia A Samuel, General Manager at Romney Manor, also praised the effort: “It’s very special, because I’ve never met anyone who has done that before. And in this time, when we’re facing world wars, we really need that message of peace to reach everyone.”