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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ commitment “to do right by its children” must extend beyond a commitment by Government to international treaties, but also calls for a commitment from parents and guardians to “refocus on the kinds of futures they are preparing for their children and the nation” Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Sharon Griffin said Friday.
“Far too many of them (children) are victims of poor choices and decisions made by the adults in their lives and for far too many others, their houses and communities are breeding grounds for abuse, neglect and violence,” Mrs. Griffin said.
“As we celebrate the talents and achievements of our children during this year’s Independence festivities, our efforts to do right by them must go beyond commitment to international treaties but must be embedded in the fact that, as a Christian nation, we are under an even much greater obligation to ensure that their rights are upheld and that spiritual and moral standards are taught and adhered to if we are to provide them the future they want, need and deserve.”
Addressing festivities surrounding the annual National Pride Day Celebrations in Rawson Square, Downtown, Nassau Friday, Mrs. Griffin said as a Signatory to the United Nations Convention on The Rights of The Child, The Bahamas is under obligation to fulfill all of the Articles included in he Convention.
These include a right to survival; a right to develop to their fullest potential; a right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life and a right to protection from harmful influences.
Mrs. Griffin said the Child Protection Act, passed in 2007, was designed “to ensure that all of these rights are upheld and children are given the protection they need and deserve.”
“There can be no doubt that of all of the natural blessings God has bestowed upon the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, our children are our most precious jewels. They are the future of this country. They will be the leaders, the workers, the innovators and the caretakers of our country tomorrow.
“They will determine its continued success or failure, hence, it is incumbent upon us to afford them the best possible education, healthcare, legal system and protection so that they become productive and responsible adults.”
Mrs. Griffin said celebrating National Pride Day is more than just an opportunity to show how “particularly proud we are of our children and the potential they hold for themselves,” but also a way of demonstrating that pride “in a very tangible way.”
“Our children are wonderful, they are dynamic, they are resilient, they are indomitable and in the midst of the challenges of nation-building, they lead the way to a brighter future and yes, a stronger, safer, more prosperous and modern Bahamas.”
Mrs. Griffin said Bahamian children are “entitled” to equal opportunities that help develop their full potential “no matter in which part of The Bahamas they reside.”
“Being a parent in this day and time is not easy, but God has charged us with the awesome responsibility of molding the young lives that will impact the future of this nation. It is a responsibility for which failure is not an option,” Mrs. Griffin added.
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