Barbadians were deeply moved by the story of the five siblings living in deplorable conditions in Christ Church last Wednesday. The children’s father was murdered by a gunman’s bullet four years ago and their mother was in the Psychiatric Hospital after buckling under the emotional stress.
The story was brought to the newspaper by Pastor Grace Showan, who was given authority over the children by their mother. While the article elicited a great deal of help and support for the children, it also revealed the shortcomings of Government agencies. Eventually, Showan and the church stepped aside to let relatives and the relevant agencies deal with this tragic matter.
Here are some comments from last week’s most talked about story:
Ego Evaluation: Obviously, they were not that rich when the father was alive either. There are people in Barbados with disposable income who can help these children. This should never happen in Barbados. Never.
After the first story Cry For Help appeared in the MIDWEEK NATION, citizens from here and abroad, along with corporate Barbados answered the call in an amazing outpouring of help and support for the children.
It even led to an admission by Minister Stephen Lashley that he knew of the family’s plight and was disappointed with Government agencies for their handling of this matter.
Dave Small: Any Government minister should be ashamed to admit this. As the MP for the area, just giving a directive is not good enough. Mr Lashley should have followed through and made sure it was done. It seems to me that you are only sorry this story hit the Press.
But perhaps the most surprising development was the backlash experienced by Grace Showan and her decision to step back from any involvement after receiving threats and abusive language from relatives of the children.
Theodore Griffith: As a minister and their Member of Parliament, I believe [Stephen Lashley] could have taken a more hands-on approach to this dire situation. Very disappointing.
Rosalie Rose: I think the church should be applauded as it meant well. However, if one child in the house is 18, he is of legal age and can speak on behalf of the others. Was permission obtained from the 18-year-old, the next of kin or even the mother to go public with this family’s plight?
All of the above factors, I hope, were accomplished before the appeal was made to the public.
Nikki Jonas: This is a sad and unfortunate situation. Children should never have to live like this. Where is the Child Care Board in this situation? Do these children have any family that can help? My guess is that they don’t, considering how they are living. Please find a home for these children.
Orson Arthur: Keep up the good work. The church is there to help people. Barbadians have a lot of pride that would take them to the grave. How do you use abusive language to the church?
Pan Wallie: They didn’t call Jesus precious, charming or sweetcakes; He was abused too and He carried on fervently with His purpose.
• Sherie Holder-Olutayo is editor of the EASY magazine.