Private nurseries invite disaster

THE EDITOR: I applaud Government’s plan to establish early childhood centres across the country. Hopefully these would be well managed and have good security. Sadly, private nurseries located in homes and garages invite disaster. They are inadequate and are a security risk. On August 11, while having a social drink with some friends at a popular club in Arouca, I overheard three men, strangers to the area and somewhat drunk, convincing each other that children’s nurseries in the area are good targets. I don’t know for sure what they were talking about but judging from what is happening in the country I fear the worst — kidnappings.

Too often, parents dump their precious little ones in any home or garage willing to accept them, without paying any attention to security or adequacy. They could pay dearly for this indiscretion. Crazy criminals are on the prowl. Children are easy prey as we know. They could also be abused by untrained staff. How could parents be so reckless! They must ensure that the premises and gates are manned, like most schools are, by trained guards. Better to be safe now than sorry later. It is also their responsibility to ensure that staff members are qualified to supervise their young impressionable children. The Ministry of Education should occasionally inspect private nurseries to ensure that they adhere to acceptable standards of security and personnel. Too much is at risk here.

TONY MYERS
Arouca