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”.