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Contact:
Primus Hutchinson
Wednesday, November 05, 2003 - Issues of child growth and development
will take centre stage, as the Ministry of Health, Human Services and Family
Affairs observes the “Year of the Child” from November 18th 2003 to October
2004.
During a press conference at the GIS Tuesday, held to provide details on
activities earmarked for the year, Minister for Health, Human Services and
Family Affairs, Honourable Damian Greaves said, notwithstanding that other
Ministries like Gender Relations and Education have their roles to play as well,
his ministry has the special responsibility to champion the cause of the child
and as such will ensure that the activities planned for the year are successful.
Mr. Greaves emphasized the role that everyone should play in the protection and
care of children. Greaves noted that while government is generally responsible
for the children of the state, all and sundry ought to render their assistance
at whichever level possible.
Mr. Greaves stated, that government has a central role to play in terms of
providing services to the children, their care and protection as a national
priority. He added that putting children first, is both an individual and
collective responsibility.
“Our activities are not going to be adult focused. They are going to be children
focused. Children are supposed to take the lead role and we will be there to
facilitate what is going on. So we want to change St. Lucia for the children
with the children.” Greaves said.
Activities to commemorate the “year of the Child” which begin from November
18th, include a televised address by Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Kenny
Anthony, a national ecumenical service and school rally, a number of panel
discussions dealing with children issues and tape recordings of voices of abused
and neglected children relating their experiences.
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