On February 8, 2013 a group of 15 volunteers, launched a new non-profit organization called the Montserrat Children’s Society under Mission Statement, “Children who have urgent needs may be assisted regardless of race, nationality, or disability.”
The launch too place at the Hill Top Coffee Shop, St. Peters, which saw presentations live and by video from the UK on children’s issues in Montserrat, and the Caribbean. The presentations centred around securing the well-being of children is often outside the scope of government. According to a release announcing the launch, it explains, “This means there are still many children whose needs are neglected and they, and their parents, often have no place to seek help. The society hopes to fill this gap and be their voice to raise awareness on the issues they face.”
The project officer is Trevor Howe who chaired the proceedings of the launch, while Mrs. Janice Panton who resides in London, England and who gave the feature address by live video using the skype technology.
Mrs. Panton is the president of the Society and in her address spoke about the need to help children who are sexually abused.
“Today, we have reached a point where as a community we want to provide to all vulnerably children, the support that would enable them to have equal opportunity and access in all areas where they can develop to their full potential,” she said as she began the main part of her presentation.
She revealed the birth of the organisation when she announced that the initiative to establish the Society, “came from professionals working with vulnerable children in Montserrat,”
While speaking to the UK’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) for children who are assessed as needing additional support, she then spoke on the issue Child sex abuse, which she said, “happens in every society, and Montserrat is no exception.”
“Where this occurs these vulnerable children need safe havens and support from within the community in addition to the professional support given,” she said
The president noted that It is no coincidence that the majority of founding members of the Montserrat Children’s Society Inc. work within the caring profession, social workers, doctor, Minister of religion or are professionals from the justice system and environmental health.
Several of the these founding members on the ground spoke at the launch which ended with a brief cocktail reception.
The other members of the Executive of Montserrat Children Society are Vice president Dr. Asher Gopal, Secretary Tricia Francis, treasurer inspector Courtney Rodney, communications officer Delis Daley and project officer Trevor Howe.
