USC’s School of Education hosted its 2nd annual conference under the theme: “The Rights of the Child: Implications for Parents, Teachers, Officers of the Protective Services and Significant Others” on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.  With this issue presently on the front burner of the Government’s Agenda, it was no surprise that organizers of this one-day conference reported an overwhelming interest and attendance from the national public, with over 350 participants from organizations and/or institutions that are related to impacting the future development of children in Trinidad and Tobago.

The feature address for the conference was presented by the Honourable Amery Brown, Minister of Social Development in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.  In his opening remarks, he noted the impeccability of the timing of the conference, as it fell within a period of focus on families.  “Arguably,” he noted, “the most important members of the family unit challenge us to examine our own behaviours and beliefs; demand that we become better parents, more effective teachers and lawmakers, and living examples of good character.”

“I want to commend the School of Education of the University of the Southern Caribbean,” he continued, “for providing another forum to generate dialogue on this important issue.”  He urged participants to utilize the conference to generate positive, workable solutions to safe guard children and improve their quality of life.

Minister Brown re-emphasized the commitment of the Government to honour its obligations as a signatory to the 1990 World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children; and the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Trinidad ratified in 1991.  In this regard, he stated that in 2007, the Trinidad and Tobago government launched a second National Plan of Action for Children for the period 2006 – 2010.  This plan serves as a blue print for the achievement of the goals set in the 2002 United Nations General Assembly Special Session report—“A world Fit for Children.” Its focuses on four (4) areas for action:

1. Promoting Healthy Lives
2. Providing Quality Education
3. Combating HIV/AIDS and
4. Protection Against Abuse, Exploitation and Violence

In keeping with the focus on children, the Maracas SDA Primary School children were invited to present their flag drill, and the school’s choir presented a version of “Desiderata”.  Seven-year old, Lenova Ramella, wooed the participants with her rendition of “Hero.”

Other presenters at the conference were Mrs. Karin Sham Poo, UNICEF Special Envoy to the Caribbean, who discussed the Rights of the Child from a global perspective.  Ms. Margaret Sampson-Brown, Superintendent of Police presented on the issues relating to the expectations that Children have a right to be protected under the law.  In her presentation, Ms. Marsha Bailey, Senior School Social Worker, explained that Children have a right to care, protection and family.  Mr. Oscar Ocho, representative from the National AIDS Coordinating Council, focused on the rights of the child to a healthy lifestyle, with special emphasis on combating HIV/AIDS. From the Ministry of Health, Ms. Yvonne Lewis, Deputy Director, Health Promotions, dealt with the rights of the child to quality health care.  Mr. Joseph Ragoonanan, Coordinator, Guidance and Counseling, and Social Work in the Ministry of Education, presented on the rights to the child to quality education.  Master Christe-Ann Morris-Alleyne, Court Executive Administrator of the Caribbean Court of Justice, presented the legislative issues relating to the rights of the child.  Ms. Aileen Bruce, Coordinator, National Plan of Action for Children, explained the national perspective as it relates to the rights of the child.  Dr. Keith Chin Aleong, Dean of the School of Humanities, presented on the topic: The Rights of the Child: A Divine Imperative.

Dean of the School of Education, Dr. T. Leslie Ferdinand, explained that the focus on the rights of the child is a divine imperative.  He cited the biblical analogy of Jesus pausing in between his busy schedule to provide nurture for the children. 

He explained that Jesus’ example is a clear indication that time should be allocated to provide care and nurture for the most vulnerable in our society, which he said is the Divine Mission to which USC lends its support.