TCI News
Palmdale Primary gets Pinwheel Garden as part of Child Protection Month activities
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas is intent on maintaining safe environments in which children can thrive — free from all forms of abuse be it physical, mental, verbal and/or sexual, in addition to neglect, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda said Monday.
Mr. LaRoda was addressing a Child Protection Month planting of the Pinwheel Garden Ceremony (held Monday, April 15) at Palmdale Primary School. The event was a collaborative effort between the School, the Child Protection Unit and Child Protection Month Committee of the Department of Social Services, the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Unit, and The Bahamas Social Workers Association. It took place in the school’s Reading Garden where students are encouraged to travel the world through reading.
Child Protection Month was launched earlier this month by Minister LaRoda under the theme: “One Nation United to Protect our Children: Moving from Challenge to Change” and is a collaboration between the Ministry, its Department of Social Services, and the SCAN Unit.
Minister LaRoda provided students participating in Monday’s ceremony with a brief overview on the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which speaks to children’s rights to: Life, survival and development; the Right to healthcare; Protection from violence, abuse and/or neglect; the Right to an education that enables children to fulfil their potential; the Right to be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents, and the Right to express their opinions and be listened to.
The Convention applies to everyone under the age of 18. Its aim is to ensure that children grow up in a spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity. The UNCRC was drafted in 1989 and is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
“What we have found in our country is that there has been an increase in abuse against women, but also children, particularly girls. And so the Government of The Bahamas, along with Civil Society, the Church and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) constantly strive to make this country a better place for children to live, and to thrive in,” Minister LaRoda said.
“(In furtherance of that objective) an entire month is dedicated to the protection of children and the prevention of the abuse of children. Be mindful, however, that our efforts occur year-round.
“And so if you are, or if you have friends who are being subjected to abuse I want you to know that there are places you can go, people who you can trust (trusted adults) — whether it’s your teacher, parents, the Police, the Department of Social Services — so that none of you beautiful kids here this morning, or those throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, have to be subjected to abuse.”
Pinwheels serve as a reminder of the commitment to safe-guarding the innocence and well-being of every child, embodying the spirit of childhood – they spin freely, with joy, curiosity, and boundless energy and evoke memories of carefree days filled with laughter, innocence and wonder.
The Pinwheel’s constant motion symbolizes the momentum of the collective effort to prevent child abuse. It further serves as a reminder that societies must remain vigilant in their endeavors to protect one of its more vulnerable groups of persons – its children.
Moreover, the Pinwheel’s vibrant colours represent the diversity and resilience of children. Regardless of their backgrounds and/or circumstances, every child deserves to grow and thrive in an environment free from harm and fear.
“By displaying Pinwheel’s during Child Protection Month, we not only raise awareness, but also spark conversations about the importance of creating safe and nurturing communities for our children,” said Mrs. Ceonn Edwards, Guidance Counsellor at Palmdale Primary.
“Each Pinwheel planted serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of our responsibility to take action and to make a difference. Let us pledge to keep the Pinwheels spinning, not just for this month, but every day of the year. Together, we can create a world where every child is cherished, protected, and given the opportunity to flourish.”
Miss Knastachia Cooper, BaSW, President of The Bahamas Social Workers Association, said the occasion provided the Association with another opportunity to fulfill its mandate.
“Our Association was officially formed in 2021 to spread awareness to the community that we, as social workers, are here to protect and serve our communities; to rebrand and to get more persons into the profession because it is an important profession, as well as to spread awareness about social issues that may be happening in our communities,” Miss Cooper said.
“Child Protection Month and the planting of Pinwheel Gardens play significant roles in helping to spread awareness throughout our communities about the dangers of child abuse and that, as one nation, we must come together to stop child abuse – hence our theme: ‘One Nation United to Protect our Children.”
School principal, Mr. Clinton Josey, said the event provided the school with yet another opportunity to have a positive impact on “the whole child.”
“When we are talking about the whole child, it is very important in this day and time, to talk about child abuse/child protection because if we want our children to learn, we need to know exactly where they are as it relates to their emotional scales etcetera,” Principal Josey said.
“To bring awareness to child abuse and child protection by sharing with our children what child abuse could look like, the examples thereof, and the approach they can take as it relates to being safe and reporting these matters is very, very important to us.” (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)
Turks and Caicos, December 12, 2024 – As a community, we are witnessing the devastating consequences of a void that has gone unaddressed for far too long—the absence of an accessible and reliable public transportation system in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Recent headlines have brought to light the alarming risks our residents face daily, including the heartbreaking reality that many are forced to rely on unregulated and unsafe transportation options. This is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of public safety.
It is unacceptable that our young women, children, and other vulnerable members of society are left to navigate these precarious situations, placing their trust—and lives—in the hands of strangers. These conditions not only jeopardize their safety but also highlight a critical gap in our infrastructure that disproportionately affects those who rely on affordable and dependable transportation options to access education,
employment, healthcare, and other essential services.
The reports of targeting and exploitation are a wake-up call for immediate action. As we move forward, we must prioritize the development of a robust public transportation system that serves all corners of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Such a system should be affordable, efficient, and, above all, safe. It is a fundamental service that can unite communities, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote equitable access to opportunities for every resident.
The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has always stood for the empowerment and protection of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As a proud member of the PDM, I am committed to continuing this legacy by fighting for a modern, accessible public transportation system. The PDM understands that this is not just an infrastructure issue—it is a cornerstone of public safety, community development, and national progress.
As a leader and representative of the PDM, I will work tirelessly to ensure that this critical need is addressed. Together, we can implement solutions that protect our citizens, empower our communities, and build a stronger Turks and Caicos Islands for future generations.
The time for action is now. The PDM is ready to lead this charge because our people deserve better, and I will ensure that this issue remains at the forefront of the agenda until it is resolved. I ask for your vote on election day and to support this PDM Team to get the job done.
Audric Skippings
PDM ED6 Candidate
Government
On International Human Rights Day – December 10 – Turks & Caicos Leaders sign historic Proclamation on Constitutional Reforms
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – “Today we gather at a defining moment in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands made even more meaningful as it coincides with International Human Rights Day,” the words H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI Governor used to set the stage for an auspicious ceremony.
With thanks to the Speaker of the House, Hon Gordon Burton, Her Excellency added, “This amended constitution is more than a legal framework, it is a reaffirmation of our shared humanity. It reminds us that a constitution is not static, it is a living covenant between a people and their ideals, adapting as society evolves to ensure no one is left behind.”
In a rare appearance at the House of Assembly, the governor reminded of the enormous cadre of people who contributed to the success of a constitution, which now more closely resembles and reflects the Turks and Caicos Islands.
It has been roughly 12 years since the 2011 Constitution Order was presented by London to the people of the TCI. The culmination of a contentious process where islanders indisputably demonstrated their disdain for the document. It had been vocally rejected, set ablaze and burned to ashes before being reported to the international community – from CARICOM to the United Nations – as “regressive”.
“As we sign this proclamation, we honour our nation’s past while embracing the promise of its future,” explained Daniel-Selveratnam.
The Amendment Order has now been accepted in bi-partisan fashion by members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly. The gains were generally viewed as substantial and number at least 12, according to information recently communicated by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
“The Draft 2024 Order proposes several amendments to the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In particular, it –
- changes the name of the House of Assembly to Parliament and Ordinance to Law;
- with effect from the next dissolution of the Parliament, changes the maximum Parliamentary term from four to five years;
- abolishes appointed members of Parliament other than the Attorney General;
- clarifies that the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet has autonomous capacity with respect to domestic affairs; sets out matters relating to external affairs that the Governor must delegate;
- makes provision for the Governor to appoint a greater number of Ministers than the six normally permitted in addition to the Premier, with the total cap being higher than that brought in by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order 2021;
- establishes several new bodies: a Cabinet Office and a Cabinet Secretary, a Police and Defence Service Commission, an International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution and provides that a Constitutional Commission may be Established;
- makes constitutional provision for some entities and items already in existence: the National Security Council, the TCI Regiment and the National Crest;
- removes the regulation of international financial services from the Governor’s special responsibilities and establishes an independent
body for the regulation of financial services; - provides a power for a referendum to be held on matters of national importance;
- makes amendments to the composition of the Electoral District Boundary Commission and to its functions;
- revokes the Turks and Caicos Islands (Electoral District Boundary Commission) Order 2011.
Signing the proclamation were the Governor, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam; Hon Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Hon Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition.
Members of the House passed the Amendments on Thursday October 17, 2024. The Order took effect in early November.
“On International Human Rights Day, let us be reminded that the pursuit of justice and freedom is a universal endeavour. Let this moment inspire us to continue striving for a democracy that reflects the highest aspirations of its people. A nation guided not by power, but by principles.
Together we have demonstrated that Constitutional Reform is a profound act of strength and renewal.”
Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024
The Minister’s response to my article highlighting his misleading practices is a diversion that fails to clarify the facts. Hon. Minister, while you admit the billboard represents a concept, you have not refuted that the terminal is not truly “coming soon” or provided evidence, such as post-Cabinet statements, to prove it has been approved or budgeted for by Cabinet.
I challenge you and Cabinet to produce post-Cabinet minutes showing that the Clifford Gardiner International Airport terminal concept has
been approved for construction and officially cleared for promotion as imminent. Without this, your actions remain deceptive and misleading to the good people of North and Middle Caicos and the wider TCI.
Under the former PDM administration, development agreements were pursued to redevelop North Caicos. Your government continued negotiations with one of the two firms we were in negotiations with up until last year when demands from your side stalled progress. Additionally, it was the PNP administration that closed North and Middle Caicos airports following the consolidation of Inter-Island and SkyKing Airlines, and not the PDM, as inferred.
Hon. Minister, if you are not attempting to deceive, show the public the post-Cabinet statements to substantiate your claims, or admit the truth behind this billboard’s premature installation only weeks before the next general election.
Our people deserve the whole truth from you, Hon. Minister, and the Cabinet in this matter.
TCI, Your Future is Our Priority. For Accountability, Transparency, and Good Governance Vote PDM, All the Way!
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