ACP Bailey advises parents to dialogue more with their children

Within the last 15 months the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), has received 217 reports of children between 1 and 15 years of age were victims of crimes involving murder, rape, unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

Speaking on this issue at the launch of Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) month of activities on Thursday, April 4, 2024, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of crime, Trevor Bailey said,“the reports are not limited to our girls, but our boys as well.”

He encouraged parents to have conversations with their children “about the dangers that are out there.” ACP Bailey referred to a meeting he had that he was not yet prepared to have, but pointed out that “danger lurks on the horizon for our kids and whilst we want to allow our children to go out and socialise, we must also be cognisant that real dangers lurk on the outside and we must have frank conversation with our kids.”

The senior officer urged the audience that also comprised parents and children that it is essential for parents to know their children’s whereabouts and who they are with at all times, as well as the activities in which they are engaged.

“So we must always be reminding our kids to walk the straight and narrow road.”

As well, Bailey warned parents about being sometimes “too hard” on children in administering discipline.

He suggested that parents should seek other means than punishment for low grades and children making immature mistakes.

“Children are children, they are to be allowed to live a youthful life and make the mistakes that children make…so we should not be too hard on our kids….

“If we want the best for our kids, we have to treat them the best.”

He reassured his audience that the RSVGPF as well as the Ministry of National Mobilisation and other stakeholders stand ready in ensuring that all children are protected.

Also giving remarks at the launch of the month of activities was the Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Youth, Housing and Informal Human Settlements, Orando Brewster who spoke about legislative amendments in Parliament that would increase the penalties for crimes of a sexual nature.