Education Minister calls on adults to protect children
PHILIPSBURG—The Minister of Education Wycliffe Smith has issued a strong statement with regard to pedophiles who molest children. He said that the gravity of the situation that the pedophiles inflict on the children should be reflected by the consequences that is meted out to them by the laws and the judicial system.
He indicated that his ministry will be working with the Ministry of Justice to provide support needed by the Police Department especially the department that deals with crimes against juveniles and youth at the Court of Guardianship. He noted that the Court of Guardianship are responsible for bringing care and justice for the abused children.
He called on parents, teachers and guardians to listen to the children when they complain of abuse. He mentioned that they should pay keen attention to the signs if a child does not feel safe among certain persons since they may be the ones to rescue them from a traumatic situation.
He called on persons to report these matters to the authorities and called on all children who had the unfortunate situation of being touched inappropriately or told to keep secrets of what had been done or asked of them concerning their bodies to report it to their parents or guardians. He pointed out, whether this was done by an adult or another child, no one is allowed to hurt our children, said Smith.
“It is time to take a stand and protect our young ones.” He called for the communities to focus and do the right thing for the children which are our future.
