As the nation grieves for yet another time, following the actions of a few, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago extends sincere condolences to the family, classmates and friends of six-year-old Kylie Meloney, whose life was tragically and violently taken away at the weekend.
Kylie, with her entire life ahead of her, suffered an end that no child or their family should face. These violent incidents generate trauma for adults as well as children. That trauma may manifest itself in different ways in children. Therefore, the Authority urges parents to allow their children to express their grief.
Families in Kylie’s community are urged to provide support to their children and help them process their grief and loss. Kylie’s family and friends also are encouraged to seek professional support, where necessary.
Meanwhile, the Authority is very concerned about the alarming and increasing trend of violence affecting children. Many children have suffered injuries, loss of life, abuse and neglect, as a result of violent acts committed against them by adults or among adults. This is evident by yet another incident in which a 13-year-old boy was stabbed in his eye while attempting to rescue his mother from an attack. The child, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital, will be visited by the Authority’s officers who will provide the necessary interventions following his recuperation.
As a society, we must make all efforts to protect children, reduce their risk of exposure to violence, and other dangerous situations. While this vigilance is the primary responsibility of parents and care givers, we need to use the entire village of trusted adults (parents, relatives and teachers) to ensure that child protection is everybody’s business.
The Authority urges the national community to report any incidents of violence or criminal activity which may affect the safety of a child to the Police Service at 999 or the Authority at 996.