Clad in a vibrant sea of blue, staff of the Social Empowerment Agency and a spirited group of children took to the streets for the fifth Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Walk.
Participants begin walk in support of Child Awareness and Prevention Walk in Warrens.
(Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
In a keynote speech, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Adrian Forde, reaffirmed the state’s “unequivocal commitment” to safeguarding the nation’s youth.
Addressing a crowd in the carpark at the ministry’s Warrens office complex, Forde declared that the walk was more than just a symbolic gesture, adding that the survival and future global standing of Barbados depend entirely on the protection of its children today.
A participant making his statement known ahead of his walk to bring awareness to Child Abuse (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
He noted that while walking for awareness is vital, the government was equally focused on “doing the do” through robust action and tangible results.
”These little children that we see before us, their lives must be protected in a special way and that is why we are here,” Forde declared. “It’s not only for us to talk the talk, walk the walk as we are doing this morning, but equally to do the do as it relates to ensuring that those in the dawn of their lives are protected and given the opportunity to become firm craftsmen of their fate.”
Children getting ready for the walk against Child Abuse in Warrens (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
A significant portion of Forde’s remarks focused on the legislative strides made to create a safer environment for the vulnerable. He cited the child justice and child protection legislation as foundational pillars of this mission, linking these efforts to a newly passed anti-abuse law to protect the elderly.
This holistic approach, he explained, is the core mantra of the current administration: ensuring every voice is heard and every person is seen.
Forde issued a direct call to action for all Barbadians to remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against neglect and maltreatment. He urged citizens to rely on their intuition and report any signs of trouble, reinforcing the community’s collective responsibility.
”We have asked persons that if they see something, they say something. If they hear something that they are suspicious of — abuse, neglect, abandonment — that they equally say something,” he urged. “Appreciate the fact that these little ones are under our care and each one of us is duty-bound to look after their lives.”
As the participants prepared for the short walk, the minister told them that the ultimate goal was to fulfill the dreams of the younger generation by providing them with a secure and tangible space in society. He reiterated that the loss of even one child to abuse or neglect is a failure that the country cannot afford.
”We are going to do everything from a legislative perspective to a social perspective to ensure that these little ones have a tangible space in this country.”
“That is their dream. We are here to fulfill their dream; we are duty-bound to fulfill their dream. Recognise that our young people, those in the dawn of their lives, are the most important gift to our country.”
(RR)
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