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Protecting children is more than reacting to harm- Hon Wheatley

'In the Virgin Islands, our commitment to safeguard our children is more than policy; it is a moral obligation,' Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said. Photo: GIS/File
World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse was observed November 19, 2024. Photo: Internet Source
World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse was observed November 19, 2024. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- "Protecting children is more than reacting to harm; it is about building systems of trust and safety." This is according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) on the occasion of World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse observed November 19, 2024.

"In the Virgin Islands, our commitment to safeguard our children is more than policy; it is a moral obligation," Dr Wheatley added.

He said for years the Social Development Department and dedicated child protection partners have worked tirelessly to defend this cause.

Honourable Wheatley added that the Social Development Department and child protection partners have been pivotal in establishing robust frameworks to prevent abuse, ensure protection, and support healing for children affected by abuse. These agencies work to identify risks, respond to cases, and build safe environments where our children can grow, learn, and thrive.

'Prevention begins with us'

"Prevention begins with us – as parents, caregivers, teachers, neighbours and leaders. It is our first and strongest line of defence."

Honourable Wheatley added that prevention is about creating a society that understands and respects the inherent value of every child.

"Through community education and awareness campaigns led by the Social Development Department, we are empowering families, and strengthening early intervention systems. The Department is committed to equipping parents, educators, and caregivers with the tools needed to recognise the signs of abuse and the courage to intervene.

"By supporting families with resources and guidance, we aim to prevent abuse before it occurs, ensuring that children are surrounded by a nurturing network from the start," Hon Wheatley stated.

5 Responses to “Protecting children is more than reacting to harm- Hon Wheatley”

  • Roger Burnett (22/11/2024, 10:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Parental alienation is one of the cruellest forms of child abuse. As the groundbreaking “UK Parental Alienation Study”, states:

    This is a severe form of emotional-psychological domestic violence perpetrated on both the targeted parent and the victimised child. It is the most brutal and savage form of abuse. The awful outcome of parental alienation is the complete separation of a child or children from a parent. Even more dreadful is that it is deliberately caused, maliciously done, and entirely preventable. This terrible form of child abuse has long-lasting effects for all concerned.

    My book "For the Sake of the Children" is a personal account of parental alienation from a Virgin Island and Caribbean perspective. It can be accessed at: https://www.studiopublications.org/product-page/for-the-sake-of-the-children

    Roger Burnett

  • Protection of children (22/11/2024, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Also means action in regards to the incinerator. Nothing has happened in 12 months. Please update us urgently. The silence is deafening. Thank you.
  • Cindy (22/11/2024, 22:13) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vincent is doing a good job ignore those flax girls who are hungry for power
  • Agreeable One (22/11/2024, 23:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boy, this is a serious topic. We have those already damaged, those on their way there, and those just starting out. It bad enough when children get children, but when children get children for children it’s a whole nother problem. Let’s all help where we can.
  • Sad State (24/11/2024, 22:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's up with protecting that young lady that's always running away, that starring in these porn videos. Who is protecting this young lady?
    Expelled. Unloved. Ignored. No.more track. No more volleyball. No social life.
    The conduct of this child...
    She needs to see psychiatrist psychologist preach pastor rabbi monk


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