CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
Together for Our Children: A Call to
Action for Community Protection
By E. P Chet Greene
In the heart of our communities lies our most valuable asset: our children. They are our future, our joy and sometimes, the most vulnerable among us. As adults, community leaders, legislators and members of state-managed institutions, we must acknowledge the vital responsibility we bear to protect these young lives from harm.
Today, I am calling on each one of us to galvanize our communities in support of robust child protection initiatives and to foster an environment where every child can thrive safely.
Child protection is not solely the responsibility of parents or guardians; it is a collective obligation that spans the very fabric of our society. An old African proverb teaches us, not Hilary Clinton, “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. Recent statistics reveal alarming rates of child abuse, neglect and exploitation, highlighting an urgent need for action.
We can no longer afford to remain passive observers. It is time to come together to design, implement and enforce comprehensive programs that build awareness and engage communities in meaningful ways.
To protect our children, we must first educate ourselves and our communities about the risks they face. Awareness campaigns can effectively highlight issues such as child abuse, neglect, bullying and online safety.
Community forums, workshops and outreach programs should be organized to disseminate crucial information about the tell-tale signs of abuse and the resources needed and available for families in crisis. We should not wait for tragedy to strike; instead, let us take proactive measures to inform and educate our communities. Be a leader.
Creating a safe environment for our children requires strong community engagement. We must foster networks of care that include parents, educators, law enforcement and local organizations.
By establishing support groups and mentorship programs, we can empower families and create safe spaces for our children.
Neighborhood watch programs should extend their focus to include child safety initiatives. When community members come together to support one another, we create a united front against the threats facing our children.
While community efforts are crucial, we cannot overlook the key role of legislation in child protection. In the face of recent developments, legislators must prioritize the strengthening and enforcement of laws that safeguard our children.
By allocating resources for child protective services, increases resources allocated for protective services. Increases in funding for mental health services and stiffer penalties for those who harm children will send a strong message that our community will not tolerate any form of abuse.
Moreover, we must advocate for policies that promote positive parenting and family support. Comprehensive training for educators and childcare providers on child protection must be a new standard practice.
State-managed institutions must also play a pivotal role in this initiative. They should serve as leaders in the effort to create comprehensive child protection systems that are accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of children and families.
By collaborating with community organizations, schools and law enforcement, these institutions can ensure that children are not only protected but also supported in their development.
The challenge of child protection is daunting but it is not insurmountable. With a collective commitment from all sectors of our community adults, leaders, legislators and state institutions, we can create a culture of safety and awareness that prioritizes our children’s well-being.
As recall the events of this past week, I implore us to stand together, united in purpose, to build a future where every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
It is time to act. Let us galvanize our community in support of child protection, not just as a duty but as a moral imperative. Our children depend on us and together, we can make a difference. Let this appeal serve as a catalyst for action, a call to each of you to join hands and hearts for our children’s safety and happiness.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at antiguanewsroom@gmail.com
Gaston, just you keep your eyes on him, remember he think he slick but me know you are the slickest no mek he outsmart you
Agreed!!
This a true word, enough tragedy has happened already
Chantel’s story done shake us up—now we have to make sure no other child go through that!
So true!!! Everybody should be playing there part rn.
It’s unfortunate how the murder of this young child has been politicized.
When the police should be ever present protecting the vulnerable, and solving crimes disappearances and murders on Antigua.
This Government has over 20 police men and women milling about at the School where the Barbuda Council election is taking place.
The politicians moral imperative is to get there hands on Barbuda Lands. That’s their priority and focus; not one of protecting the public.
Chantal’s case was an unusual tragedy that had nothing much to do with any of this. She was almost home and a wicked creature decided to attack. She didn’t even walk home alone. Her friends were right there. Apart from having more adults keeping an eye on kids e.g. at an after school programme if she could not be picked up by a parent right away, very little could have been done to prevent this. My concern with words like “neglect” is that there are many poor communities and people in a little island compared to bigger countries. Children occasionally have to walk in the villages on their own. Children sometimes look a bit tattered until their parents get their next paycheck. Or, sometimes the eat very humble meals occasionally during a rough patch. Sometimes meals are less than perfect because of the difficulties in obtaining nutritious food for various reasons. If people are going to be judging other families over how perfectly children are raised it could cause a lot of unnecessary problems and distress to the children because of too much intrusion into their family whom they love. Instead, struggling families should be supported. If a child lacks certain things, perhaps ask the parents what would be a good birthday or Christmas or just-because present for them. Offer assistance with obtaining needed resources. This is not the US where people have plenty money but deliberately keep kids in a bad state. There is more poverty here. However, in spite of the poverty, the kids will be fine in the end even if they have to make do with less than perfect from time to time.
The “roots” of the present crime wave which is sweeping across Antigua were planted, by GREEDY poliTRICKtans, #who’re in bed with the criminal elements (white collar, street thugs, blue collar), as these poliTRICKtans introduced, planted, nurtured the GARRISON STYLE POLITICS in the Nation.
Couple this with PPP – Piss Poor Planning and PPM – Piss Poor Management of the public sector CRIME will not only continue to rise, the emboldened criminals will continue to evade law enforcement and if and when they get caught, the Courts seem to go EASY on these thugs (white collar/blue collar criminals).
Chet your government and political party slackness has created this mess.
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards