Support our children

According to Minister of  Social Care, the Hon. Steven Blackett, the lack of supervision and care is one of the main characteristics of child neglect, of which the Child Care Board receives many complaints.

 

Also, he disclosed that during that same period, 120 children were referred for alleged emotional abuse.

 

“In these instances children were called names, belittled or experienced the withdrawal of the emotional warmth and support that they needed,” he said during the Opening Gala for Child Month 2016 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, yesterday.

 

He said this year’s theme“Celebrate Children: The Gems of Our Nation” speaks to valuing children, also stressing that too often children are seen in a negative light.

 

“This is not a true picture of our children, as there are so many positive children in this nation that do positive things and contribute to their communities, schools, churches and homes. We need to take time out and celebrate their positive contributions.”

 

“This year’s theme has at its core how we should view our children and the value that we should place on them. This year we are saying to our children: You are our Gems, Our Precious Stones and Our Treasures,” he expressed.

 

“As adults, parents and caregivers within this nation we need to recognise that children represent our heritage and as such they should be nurtured, protected and celebrated. It is our duty to do such. Just as we would secure our precious jewellery, cars, and homes we need to ensure that our children are kept safe and are treated as gems, for they are more precious than fine jewellery”.

 

Kenneth Knight, Chairman of the Child Care Board took the opportunity to call upon Barbadians to be their brother’s and sister’s keeper.

 

“Report when you see or hear something that may impact negatively on a child... Children you too can report if you see or know of any abuse or challenge of a fellow student or a family member might be encountering,” he said.

 

“The theme calls to action for every parent, caregiver, guardian… you are the mentors that write the stories of these children lives – if they are treated like gems they will become gems. If you establish the positive examples of caring, supporting, sharing and communicating – then our children will inculcate these values,” Knight added. 

(TL)