(Trinidad Guardian) “Stop killing and abusing our nation’s children!”
That’s the call from Sheldon Cyrus, Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
Cyrus comments on yesterday’s shooting death in Laventille of 11-year-old Ezekiel Paria in a media release.
“Today, with great sadness we mourn the loss of yet another child due to senseless gun violence on our nation’s streets,” Cyrus said. “The Authority extends condolences to the parents, family, friends and classmates of Ezekiel Huggins”.
He added an appeal for an end to crime and gun violence, which he says “are affecting communities and threatening the lives and safety of our country’s children.”
Cyrus stated: “We can clearly see the result of the war citizens are waging against each other, as families are broken and children are forced in many instances to grow up without their parents and relatives, as a result of this type of senseless violence”.
On the issue of child abuse, Cyrus noted:
“In January 2024, the Authority received 560 reports of children in need of care and protection, which is greater than the average number of reports per month received in 2023”.
He revealed that the majority of these reports were related to neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
“The Authority is therefore advising parents and caregivers that it is their duty to protect children and reduce their risk of exposure to violence and abuse,” Cyrus said.
He also reminds the public that, “Child Protection is Everybody’s Business”.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that the society in which our children are raised is one that values and respects the safety of our nation’s children,” he asserted. “We must continue to create a nurturing and safe environment in which children can thrive and be the best that they can be.”
The Children’s Authority is urging the public to report all incidents of crime and violence to the Police at 999.
It also reminds the public that all incidents of abuse and maltreatment of children should be reported to the Police at 999 and the Authority at 996 or 800-2014.
