CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE responsible for the Independence Parade. It’s always a pleasure to watch the precision with which this event is executed every year. If we took this discipline into other aspects of our lives, most of the battle of taking Barbados forward would be won.
In proceeding to our next milestone, much of the responsibility will obviously fall on the youth. As Prince Harry told the youngsters attending the 50th anniversary mega concert, “when Barbados marks 100 years, it will be your contribution that will be judged”.
But if our children are our future, it’s our responsibility to nurture them and give them the necessary training to be good citizens and future leaders. We can’t leave it to chance and allow them to be “dragged up”.
We must have a proper plan for them from birth. As the popular song goes, “I believe the children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way; show them all the beauty they possess inside; give them a sense of pride . . .”.
I’ve always contended that nursery and primary school education are of major importance in the moulding of children’s minds, so our best teachers should be made available to these. I’m pleased to see that a new nursery school will be opening in January, compliments of the Maria Holder Trust.
Last Saturday I attended the event A Conversation And Celebration: Children The Law And Society – Safeguarding The Future, which gave a good insight into what has been achieved with regard to our nation’s children as well as what still needs to be done. It was held under the patronage of Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, with remarks from Minister of Social Care Steve Blackett and the feature address by Mrs Faith Marshall-Harris, legal consultant, attorney at law and UNICEF Children’s Champion.
Sir Marston noted that our laws and procedures didn’t seem to support the idea that children are our future and there was much work needed. He lauded the work of the Nature Fun Ranch in redirecting the youth and helping to prepare the hands in which we will leave our country.
Minister Blackett recognised that our children are our most precious commodity and early childhood development our most important investment. We owe them a life free of violence and fear. To this end, a National Committee for Monitoring the Rights of the Child has been established.
Mrs Marshall-Harris stressed that we need to ensure that the next 50 years are worthy of celebration by today’s youth. She asked: “How do we protect our children’s legacy? How can we improve what we’re doing for children?” She called for a cultural revolution to improve the children’s lot, adding that a comprehensive Children And Young Persons Act had to be our goal.
She noted that at present, family matters aren’t considered urgent, and legislation emphasises protection of only girls, not boys, from abuse. All this must change. The matter of parental responsibility is also a concern and must be dealt with in new legislation.
Children have a right to know who their parents are, bearing in mind that parental love and bonding are important; custody must be in the best interest of the child and maintenance is much more than supplying food. A Child Support Fund to assist in case of illness or unemployment of parents was also suggested.
Her vision is a Unified Family Court with a child-friendly atmosphere where matters are dealt with expeditiously and not like the present situation where cases involving children are often not adjudicated until they are adults. Deadlines need to be set for such matters.
Furthermore, she proposed a children and young persons’ ombudsman and a mandatory Youth Service or some type of community service by the youth so as to instil positive values, and point out that they are part of the community and must contribute.
But, she stressed, “Legislation won’t cure all ills or make children happy. We need to change how society treats children. In other words, we can’t plant yams and reap eddoes.”
I have to say the outstanding performancesduring the evening by Amanda Fields and the National Youth Orchestra, the St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir and Yahandje Daniel of the Alleyne School gave me some confidence that, with our encouragement and worthy example, Barbados will be in good hands when we pass on.
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent senator. Email: [email protected]
