BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 24th, 2012 (CUOPM) – A call by Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Marcella Liburd (Labour – St. Christopher 2 - Central Basseterre), for each citizen and resident to work towards building a future for the children of the twin-island Federation.
Delivering remarks at a ceremony to handover US$300,000 worth of furniture and equipment for the New Horizon Rehabilitation Centre at Harris’ by United States Ambassador His Excellency Larry Palmer to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Liburd said if responsibility is not taken for all of the children the public cannot be protected.
Thanking the distinguished ambassador and his team, along with the local social workers, policy makers, the judicial officers, the police officers and other stakeholders, Minister Liburd said that the handing over is an “unfolding of a vision for our children which is ensuring that we remain true to the best interests of the child.”
She said the new structure which is still to be officially open, is expected to serve as a beacon of hope for children who come into conflict with the law.
“It comes at an opportune time- on the heels of the 29th anniversary of our Independence. And it gives sharp focus to our theme: Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families. The programmes offered here are intended to promote the continuous growth and learning of our young people.
Educational, vocational and cultural training, life skills as well as the guidance and support greatly needed for their reintegration in society will buttress and prepare them to become responsible citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis and assist in strengthening their families,” she told invited guests, among them Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (Labour – St. Christopher 6); Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin (Labour St. Christopher 1); and United States Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Larry Palmer.
Minister Liburd said the ministry is undertaking critically important work to ensure that the untapped potential of the Federation’s young people is harnessed and nurtured.
“In order to accomplish this, the Government has committed to a focused investment in the preventive-intervention model as against the punishment-prosecutorial model.
We know all too well the stigmatizing and unforgiving manner, the intolerance with which our children are treated without due consideration to the unstable homes from which they come. Such environments open doors to dangerous and violent pathways for young people and erode their options to positive choices. Indeed, it is a challenging task but an achievable one with creative and collaborative partnerships to effect attitudinal changes so woefully needed to welcome back our children who are in conflict with the law to their families and communities,” she told officials and invited guests.
She noted that Article 40 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child provides that every child accused of having infringed the penal law, shall be treated in a way which takes into account the child's age and desirability of promoting the child's reintegration in society. Sub-section 3 requires state parties to promote measures such as diversion procedures, supervision orders, probation, counselling, and training programs to ensure that they are dealt with appropriately.
“St. Kitts and Nevis made a commitment to upholding these articles in 1990 when we signed and ratified the Convention of the Rights of the Child in 1990. This reminds us that we are the major duty bearers - each of us present here playing different roles. And so, as we prepare to design a comprehensive plan with a focus on treatment modalities for our children, we have to be equally committed to collective responsibility” said Minister Liburd,
She said the Government of St Kitts and Nevis has been making small steps to shift the focus towards children and the New Horizon Rehabilitation Centre is one such example.
Citing the United States Government for recognizing their efforts and making the donation of equipment to the Government, Minister Liburd expressed deep gratitude for the contribution.
“The range of equipment and furniture on display would go a long way to create the environment needed for these children and provide a good start for the grand opening of this centre in the very near future. I assure you that we would endeavour to care, protect and maintain them as we are well aware that our comprehensive outlay for guiding and supporting young children would need many resources - human and physical - and better planning.
USAID'S contribution has given us a start and for that, I express our heartfelt thanks on behalf of my Ministry and on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Minister Liburd.
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