The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is profoundly saddened by the tragic deaths of three children and wounding of two 14-year-olds, early Thursday morning, and extends condolences to their families and friends.
The Authority notes that the children lost their lives in the very space where they were supposed to feel most at peace, protected and loved. At 10, 14 and 17, they were all on the cusp of new and exciting times in their lives, with much to look forward to.
The Authority remains deeply disturbed by the alarming and increasing trend of violence affecting children, especially gun violence. The organisation continues to condemn the increase in gun violence that is affecting communities and threatening the lives and safety of our country’s children. Many children have suffered injuries and loss of life, as a result of violent acts committed against them by adults or among adults. Earlier this week, a one-year-old Venezuelan child was struck by a stray bullet, while playing outside his home.
Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority is appealing for an end to crime in Trinidad and Tobago. He says “the fallout of the war that citizens are waging against each other is leading to broken families. Children also are forced to grow-up without their parents and relatives, and parents and relatives are grieving the loss of their children”.
Mr. Cyrus adds, “the psychological toll that all this loss and grief takes on our society is wide-reaching. The impact goes even further, as our children are now growing in a space where they must be hyper-vigilant – unable to play, rest or even sleep peacefully in their homes.” “Living with that fear”, he notes, “is very damaging and will have repercussions for our children’s future”.
The Authority therefore, renews its call for a return to the “village”, to a time where people took care of each other. As a nation, all efforts must be made to protect children, reduce their risk of exposure to violence, and other dangerous situations. The Authority’s Director/CEO states that “the entire village of trusted adults – parents, relatives and neighbours must recognise that child protection is everybody’s business”.
The national community is encouraged to report any incidents of violence or criminal activity which may affect the safety of a child to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service at 999 or the Authority at 996.
About the Children’s Authority
Established in 2015, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago seeks to promote the best interest of children through advocacy, prevention, intervention and collaborative strategies based on multidisciplinary approaches. The Authority seeks to defend and support child rights and make child protection everybody’s business. Since 2015, the Authority has received and dealt with more than 36,000 reports of child abuse in Trinidad and Tobago.
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