CABINET NOTES- Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s response to child protection and gender-based violence.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, will create a dedicated, trauma-informed national facility to provide emergency shelter, therapeutic care, family strengthening, and structured reintegration support for vulnerable women and children.
Cabinet also approved the formalization of strategic partnerships to support the development and operation of the Safe Haven.
Notably, Team Island Girls has committed EC$350,000 toward construction and capital development, representing the culmination of several years of fundraising in support of this national cause.
An Alabama-based church partnership will provide volunteer labour, development support, furnishings, and community engagement assistance.
To complement these contributions, Cabinet has approved a Government capital investment of EC$500,000 to support land identification, site preparation, regulatory approvals, and initial construction works.
This brings the total start-up funding envelope to EC$850,000.
The Safe Haven will operate as an integrated national protection mechanism under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs.
Oversight will include a dedicated steering committee to ensure strong governance, accountability, and coordinated service delivery.
Cabinet further authorized the execution of Memoranda of Understanding with the identified partners and directed the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide the necessary legal drafting support to facilitate timely implementation.
With this approval, Phase I activities are expected to commence within two weeks, enabling the immediate mobilization of partner contributions and the advancement of site and operational preparations.
This initiative addresses a longstanding gap in the national social protection framework and reinforces the Government’s commitment to safeguarding its most vulnerable citizens while advancing a coordinated and sustainable system of care.
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Many years ago the Stanford Group started the Hero House foundation. It first started by giving the churches funds to take care of their parishioners. Then he appointed now late Keva Margetson to spearhead the unit. Fast forward he was made aware of women of domestic violence that had no place to stay. He then negotiated with the government for a piece of land to be used for the building of such a home. It was led by a Antiguan husband and wife whom he brought from overseas. There names slip me at this time. But that was the first Hero House in Antigua where women who faced domestic violence would have somewhere to stay while getting counseling and financial assistant. But when the empire was taken down all this was closed as well. The then government nor this government didn’t see it necessary to continue this program. That was very pity. Many women even today need this shelter. But as they say better late then never. So I wish them well.
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