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News : New Providence Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


"Our Children, Our future" Demonstration held at Clifford Park
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Jul 10, 2015 - 12:29:00 AM

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"Our Children, Our future" Demonstration, Clifford Park (Photo: Ted Forbes)

Nassau, Bahamas - On the eve of The Bahamas 42nd anniversary of Independence, while most were celebrating the local festivities under the theme, "Our Children, Our Future," a group gathered at Clifford Park for a silent demonstration to bring awareness to "Child Protection."

Attorney and activist, Tavarrie Smith was the brainchild behind the event, which was organised by Terneille Burrows, founder of Rise Bahamas. Other participants hailed from groups including The Change Movement and Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM). Some attendees in the vicinity of the demonstration snapped photos of the placards while others stopped to asked questions about some of the headlines that they were not familiar with. Although one or two people in the crowd complained about not being able to see the stage because signs obscured their view, the reception was largely a positive one. The demonstration was sustained throughout the duration of the four hour program.

“We have too long been silent about the many crimes being perpetrated against our most vulnerable citizens. Our group seeks to raise public awareness on the issues and create a greater sense of urgency for measures to be properly implemented to effectively tackle child abuse through a multidimensional approach. Agitating the government to pass and enact related laws goes hand in hand with ensuring citizens start to take more preventative measures and increase reporting.” Terneille went on to commend agencies like the National Child Protection Council and Bahamas Crisis Centre for their work, but is appealing to government, community organisations, civil society and corporate entities to do more.

Activist Gregory Collie said that he supports the fight to protect our children, as they are future of the nation. “We just need more people to stand up and defend our kids,” he stated.

Affiliated community groups have submitted various appeals to the government calling for increased public awareness campaigns, separate family and sexual offences courts, more funding for safe houses, enactment of certain Child Protection Act components and a seat at the table to review and evaluate Marco’s Law, including the proposed sex offender registry regulations. Documents can be found here.

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"Our Children, Our future" Demonstration, Clifford Park (Photo: Ted Forbes)

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"Prey" poster images (bottom right) are by artist Carla Campbell

protest-1.jpg
"Our Children, Our future" Demonstration, Clifford Park (Photo: Ted Forbes)


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