Child abuse a national shame

The beating to death of one-month-old Kimberly Boyke is a national shame said First Lady Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards,  as she called on all members of society to join in the fight against child abuse. The First Lady made the call  at the launch of Anil Roberts’  song, “Angel Gone Too Soon,” at 51 Degrees, on Tuesday night. The song was inspired by the beating to death of baby Kimberly Boyke  by a relative. Clive Pantin, an executive officer of the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL), who also spoke at the launch, puts the blame for wayward children squarely on the shoulders of parents. Pantin warned that “we are losing our children,” and called on parents to be more responsible for their children.  Another speaker was Douglas Camacho of Guardian Life, one of the main sponsors. 

Dr Ramjohn-Richards said that she felt good to be part of an event that tells us that there are hearts of compassion that still beat in the country, and also, that there are those who will not sit idly by while “all sorts of nefarious deeds are being perpetrated upon innocent little children.” She said the violent death of one-month-old Kimberly Boyke “has brought shame upon us nationally.” She added: “Let us make no mistake about this act of madness. It is not only the business of a young mother deprived of her children, it is a matter that touches all of us and one that should spur us to action that would stem the tide of abuse that is being heard of all too frequently.”

The First Lady said that Kimberly had no defence of any sort against the attack by someone in whom trust would have been placed. She recalled worldwide reports of such violence and suggested that it testifies to the fact that many of us have lost our way. Dr Ramjohn-Richards said that while she does not have all the answers, she believes that many things must be done on different fronts if we are to eradicate abuse against children. She advised:  “We must have a holistic approach to the problem...education has a key role to play in this regard. “We are faced with the high incidence of teenage pregnancy and there is no doubt that that brings with it a serious level of frustration. The future of young people can be shattered by unwanted pregnancies and generally, it is the mother who bears the greater burden while the reluctant father sees himself as a victim or a ‘star boy’ in some misguided cases.

“Through education, our youth can be taught to see beyond the quick thrill to a life that is marked  by planning for the future, a future in which they will be able to make informed choices because they would have acquired the academic qualification and skills that can help them to provide a decent living for themselves. But this is a process that must begin at a very early age, even at the pre-school level. Sensitising our children to the value of education cannot wait until the last stages of the primary school level when there may be a frantic rush to prepare for secondary school. “I believe that this untimely passing, in such a brutal manner, of little Kimberly also makes the case for men mentoring men and young boys.

It seems to me that there is a great need for male role models in our society and we cannot afford to be complacent in this matter.” She said that children born of casual encounters must not have to feel the wrath of a parent driven by resentment or frustration of whatever cause.  Both the First Lady and Pantin commended Anil Roberts and his friends for stirring to action in this worthwhile cause. A rendition of the song was done by Kees Dieffanthaller,  Nicole Wong Chong, Byete Williams and Derrick “Slaughter” Perriera. Wendell Constantine entertained the gathering with song while Errol Fabien was the chairman. Also attending the launch was President George Maxwell Richards, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes and family members of Kimberly.