Panel Discussion on Child Abuse Highlights the Need for Greater Community Engagement

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Social Development and Welfare hosted a profoundly impactful panel discussion, “Beyond the Law: How Can Communities Foster a Culture of Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse?” at Brayton Hall. This event brought together eight esteemed panelists, each a trained expert in their field, including:

• Mrs. Stacey Jogie (Education Representative)
  

  Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes (Director of Social Development & Welfare)

• Dr. Angela Brooks (Legal Expert)
• Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes (Director of Social Development & Welfare)
• Inspector Ensa Wilson (Law Enforcement Representative)
• Mr. Joseph Vixaille (Creole Community Representative)
• Mrs. Lucrecia Martinez (Dominican Community Representative)
• Rev. Alces Dor (Religious Leader)
• Dr. Amatti Sani (Medical Expert)

While the panel was rich with insight and expertise, the turnout from major stakeholders and the broader community highlighted a troubling truth: the stigma surrounding child abuse often prevents open dialogue. Many prefer the anonymity of online forums of myths, misunderstandings, and unqualified opinions by the naysayers, the hear Sayers, oppositionists and lore-bearers over engaging directly with solutions.

A matter as urgent as child abuse affecting the safety, well-being, and future of our children in the Turks and Caicos Islands, deserves the undivided attention of all.

As a society, we must collectively commit to breaking the silence, setting aside our differences, and supporting the agencies and individuals working tirelessly to safeguard our children. Child abuse is a serious concern that demands our collective attention and action. There can be no exceptions, no excuses, and no allowances for ignorance of the law or favoritism based on personal connections. Child abuse is child abuse, and it must be confronted with unwavering determination.

Inspector Ensa Wilson (Law Enforcement Representative)

This is a call to action for every citizen, organisation, and institution- Child abuse is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a role to play in fostering safe, nurturing environments for our children to thrive.                                                                                                                                                                    The Department of Social Development and Welfare remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through ongoing awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, and in partnership with community stakeholders, the department continues to advocate for stronger measures to safeguard our most vulnerable members of society our children.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programmes, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.

Contact numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

Mrs. Stacey Jogie (Education Representative)

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321                                                                                                                                                                                                                To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:                                                                                                                                                                                                                        MASH: 1-649-338-4013                                                                                                                                                                                                       mash@gov.tc                                                                                     reportabusetci@gov.tc

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