Office of the Prime Minister    

Gender and Child Affairs

Levels 20-21, Tower D, International Waterfront Centre, 1A Wrightson Road, Port of Spain

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Tel: 627-1163

13^th February, 2017                                                                                                                            

 

PRESS RELEASE

 "Condolences to the family of Abiela Adams"

 

Port of Spain: The Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) sends condolences to the Adams family after the heinous murder of Abiela Adams.

 

As a Mother and the Minister with the portfolio to care and protect the nation’s children, it is heart-rending to read that our children may not be fully protected as they ought to be.  The Minister assures the nation that the Government is committed to legislative and other measures aimed at ensuring that our children are kept safe.

 

The Ministry is encouraging parents and children to take the necessary precautions. Some safety tips from the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children are provided below:

 

1.      Who: A parent is the best person to teach a child about personal safety.

2.      When: Now is the time to teach your child about personal safety? There is no perfect age when parents should begin teaching children about safety.

3.      How: Listen to your children.

-          Know your children’s daily activities and habits

-          Listen to what they like and what they don’t like

-          Encourage open communications. Let your children know they can talk to you about any situation

-          Reassure your child that their safety is your number one concern

4.      Teach your children.

-          Set boundaries about places they may go, people they may see and things they may do

-          Reinforce the importance of the “buddy system”

-          It’s OK to say NO – tell your children to trust their instincts

5.      Get Involved

-          Know where your children are at all times

-          Your children should check in with you if there is a change in plans

-          There is no substitute for your attention and supervision.

6.      Practice safety skills with your children

-          Rehearse safety skills so that they become second nature.

 

All citizens are encouraged to do their part in safe-guarding our nation’s children.

 

 

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For further information contact:

The Corporate Communications Unit

Tel: 627-1163