Director of the Social Justice and Peace Committee Father Franklyn Cuffy has commended Government’s effort for the construction of the ‘Place of Safety’ in Jimmit, however, he expressed concern with the issue of limited resources there.
“For instance I think a playground is needed. I still find that it is limited in the scope that is necessary. I want to know if they will cater for the counselors,” Cuffy stated.
The Place of Safety was constructed by Action for Children, formerly National Children’s Home, and Government, through the Ministry of Community Development. The facility will provide emergency and short term accommodation for abused and abandoned children.
It will offer 24 hour residential services to these young victims, and is expected to care for approximately 100 children per year.
“I applaud them for taking the initiative. I think it’s needed, but I don’t think it should be an overnight shelter. We need a longer term rescue,” Cuffy added.
Although he believes the project is timely, he also noted that the island is in need of a facility to house juveniles.
Nonetheless, Cuffy said he will support the Place of Safety in whatever way he can.
The keys to the 4.4 million dollar facility was recently handed over to the Minister of Community Development Gloria Shillingford and an official opening ceremony is expected soon.
This is a major step in the right direction. I support Fr. Cuffy in saying that there should be playing areas for the kids. I grew in St.Paul’s parish and there are less areas of recreation now than there were 20 years ago.
This progect is a win-win all around.
@Anonymous: Anonymous, why are you so f…ing negative? Is negativity in the genes of many Dominicans? The priest was identifying certain needs which he feels are not being addressed. He did say he welcomed the Place of Safety but there are other needs that must be addressed.
Blackpower turn priest!!! What u expect?
Same lazy talk !!!! Somebody else must always do more for them and not they moving one finger
These are some relevant points being made by Fr. Cuffy, however, I would be interested in knowing the level of involvement from the private sector and the various churches. This sounds like an excellent project, providing rescue to abused children, but we need greater involvement from sectors of the community other than the government to step up and support the project.
If a home for juvenile delinquents is needed, then what about private organizations or even the Catholic Church leading that effort. Hopefully those who are responsible for leading the Place of Safety will reach out for assistance to ensure that this project is successful. Best wishes.
My wife and I live part-time in Dominica, until I can retire from my job in the States. I’m a member of a group called the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. We are a group of people who have been donating and raising funds for similar works. We have been supporting a similar place of safety in one of our most downtrodden communities and it has been very helpful. The young people themselves are getting training in how to become advocates for themselves, helping to grow the next generation of concerned citizens. I’d like to visit this center the next time we come back to Dominica.
Kindest Regards
Daniel Jordan, PhD, ABPP
[email protected]
Thumbs up for the facilitating community based development program. Its main purpose is the good governance of local authorities and through them and other community based organizations, to provide access to resources for participation in social and economic development program. The welfare division exists primarily to safeguard people against human degradation emanating from poverty, old age, mental and physical disability, acts of God, and other forms of misfortune. It protects the interest of the most vulnerable groups such as abused and neglected children and offers remedial services.
Go for it LAYBA!
Good work , Government and people of Dominica.
Fr Cuffy, you have been a priest for ever so long….there are many Catholic Charities, please use your religious connection and lets see if they can assist with the playground and others.
It cannot always be Govt, we have to be able to help
Nonetheless good observations…but lets be proactive and help…stop reacting to any and everything.