2024

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago says the abuse of children is unacceptable.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “the video circulating on social media, which shows an adult female kicking a child, is a stark reminder that too many of our nation’s children are experiencing abuse at the hands of their caregivers”. He adds that “too often, the persons charged with the responsibility to love and protect children are the ones who commit heinous acts of abuse”.

The Director/CEO notes that “the Authority’s Emergency Response Team, which works collaboratively with the Child Protection Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, responded to the report. The child was taken for a medical and is currently in the care of the Authority”.

Mr. Cyrus says “the person who made the report must also be commended for seeing something and saying something”. He added that “Child Protection Is Everybody’s Business”, and while the Authority is not asking persons to intervene in situations, it is imperative to report concerns about the welfare of a child to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

He adds that families in need of support should reach out to the following agencies if they feel overwhelmed:
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673
The National Family Services Division: 623-2608 ext. 6701-6711
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists: 717-8827
The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education: 724-1010
Childline: 131

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is appealing to the public to report any concerns or suspicions they may have about the safety of a child to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.

The call comes following the gruesome discovery of the skeletal remains of a young woman in the backyard of her home; and reports that persons living at the residence were denied freedom of movement for several years.

Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority says, “while this incident is engaging the attention of the Police and the Authority, details are still unfolding. However, it is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to say something, if we see something”. Mr. Cyrus adds that “child protection is everybody’s business, but for the Authority or any agency to provide support, we need information that would guide our intervention”.

He adds that with respect to the individuals who were found at the house, “investigators will need to ascertain the circumstances under which they were kept. Once they are assessed, the psychological impact of their situation can be determined, in order to provide the necessary interventions”.

Mr. Cyrus says “there is an ongoing crisis regarding the protection of our nation’s children, as over the years, the Authority has had to intervene in several horrific situations in which children exist”. Therefore, he says, “the Authority is continuing to appeal for a change in the mindset of adults about the value of our children and a recognition that children’s rights must be respected. Among these fundamental rights are access to education, healthcare and
safety, so they can achieve their full potential as contributing members of society”.

The Director/Chief Executive Officer adds that “the Authority will work assiduously to support Police to bring the perpetrators of heinous crimes against children to justice”.

Stop killing and abusing our nation’s children! That’s the call from Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Cyrus says “today, with great sadness we mourn the loss of yet another child due to senseless gun violence on our nation’s streets. The Authority extends condolences to the parents, family, friends and classmates of Ezekiel Huggins”.

He adds that once again the Authority is appealing for an end to crime and gun violence which are affecting communities and threatening the lives and safety of our country’s children. Mr. Cyrus says, “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, Mr. Cyrus notes that “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”. The majority of these reports, he said, 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. Mr. Cyrus reminds the public that, “Child Protection is Everybody’s Business”, and 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. We must continue to create a nurturing and safe environment in which children can thrive and be the best that they can be”.

The public is advised to report all incidents of crime and violence to the Police at 999. All incidents of abuse and maltreatment of children should also be reported to the Police at 999 and the Authority at 996 or 800-2014.