The new executive of the NGO Coalition for the Protection of Children and Youth is calling on the government to use equipment that is already available to help in cases of child abuse.
Tina Alexander, of Lifeline Ministries, said at a press conference this week that the Coalition is looking forward to changes in the court system.
“We call upon government to use the equipment they already have,” she stated. “They have cameras, they are not being used, they have the law that says you can use cameras for vulnerable witnesses and the vulnerable witnesses are still in the witness box.”
She added, “So there is real evidence that sometimes when everything is in place, still the political will is lacking.”
Alexander called on the authorities to make the make right choices “and see through, the process of prosecution.”
Currently, she said, the prosecution process is extremely long and full of adjournments.
“It is unpleasant…and the witness can end up feeling like they were the offender and we are looking forward to seeing changes,” she said.
Alexander stated also that the executive of the Coalition is looking forward to meeting with government ministers privately and publicly to encourage them to take their responsibilities seriously.
“Not only change the law, change the way that the process of the law is operating now and to provide sufficient resources to the courts and to the welfare division so they can do the job that they are already committed to doing,” she pointed out.
Meantime, she encouraged parents to put their children’s needs first before everything else.
“That is part of the reason why Lifeline has a victim support scheme to try to help, not only the victim but also their families,” Alexander stated.
Recently there have been a series of child sexual abuse cases in the courts.
Tina Alexander and most engaged in public discourse regarding the despicable and totally unacceptable scourge of child abuse and sexual offences generally, are well intentioned. However, it is essential that this discourse is at all times exercised with due care and responsibility, if unintended harm to the very cause being advocated is to be avoided. In the article above, despite stating the equipment is already there and “there is real evidence that…everything is in place…”, Tina goes on inaccurately and unfairly to state, “…the political will is lacking.” What is lacking is the will of those entities, authorities and individuals to discharge their responsibilities. The NGO met with officials of the Ministry for Justice, including the Minister and AG, yesterday and hopefully Tina will now feel able to state that the “political will is NOT lacking” and call on those entities and individuals who continuously shirk their responsibilities to carry out their responsibilities.
The Coalition delegation certainly had a very hopeful meeting with the Minister, PS and AG. We look forward to real progress, not only with legal amendments around the Bail Act and other legislation but also with progress towards the establishing of a Family Court and integrated protocol for Child Protection investigations. Mandatory reporting for all professionals working with children and Youth is also up for consideration.
Please join us in the TOWN HALL meeting on Wednesday 21st at 4.30 at the PSU …….
Stop child abuse in Dominica! Amend the laws and protect the children, they are innocent and powerless, but they are our future!
Hats off to you Tina! Tell them loud and clear. This is not an issue that is only on the parents as the prime minister has tried to insinuate. The laws, and law enforcement are sorely lacking! Too many demands, petitions, cries for help have gone unanswered in recent years!
When someone steals a cow, or has drugs on their person, we NEVER hear the gov’t tell society members it is up to them to do something. It is entirely a law enforcement issue…no difference here. Anyone that assualts a child or harbors the criminal should be prosecuted swiftly and justly!
It is encouraging to see Tina Alexander joining the NGO Coalition.
I admit I do not know the lady but just by reading the DNO article I can see she brings to the office experience and insight. Also everybody who works in this field must have a certain zeal that will move things forward. Ms. Alexander has this and it will serve her well when it comes to getting the necessary help from the government.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Just a point of information. Lifeline Ministries, which I lead, has just come to the end of six months in the Chair of the NGO Coalition. The new Chair is the National Youth Council represented by Delroy Williams . We have a rotating system, so the first executive was DNCW, CARIMAN and Child Fund, the second set was comprised of Lifeline Ministries, AGARNA and West Federation and now it is DYC, Love One Teach One and DAPD. The other agencies in the boat with us are DACPA, East Federation and DPPA. We are open to applications from other NGOs who share our concerns at home and abroad.
Thank you for giving me a better understanding of the NGO Coalition and the role of Lifeline Ministries. People who share your values (as I do) appreciate the work you are doing.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.