Alexandre Wilson was nervous to step on stage before a crowd and give a speech he wrote himself. But he remained focused and steadfast.
“Every child deserves to feel supported, cared for and safe,” the 10-year-old read. “That isn’t always the case.”
Alexandre was one of five children who took to the stage at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park to speak out against child abuse during a candelight vigil on the evening of April 30, the final day of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
The event was inspired by an 11-year-old Guyanese girl, Adrianna Younge, who was found dead in a hotel pool in Tuschen, Guyana on April 24 after she was missing for about 20 hours, according to news reports.
“Her story was devastating to an entire nation,” Alexandre told the crowd, which included several Guyanese. “The official autopsy claims she died from drowning. But many people, including those closest to her, aren’t convinced since they said that there were early signs that pointed to possible assault. Massive protests broke out across Guyana. People demanded answers, and they demanded justice.”
Alexandre went on to explain the different forms of child abuse. Like the other children who spoke before him, he called for people to speak up against the crime.
“Child abuse doesn’t always look the same,” he said. “Sometimes it’s physical; sometimes emotional; sometimes neglect. But it’s always serious. If you or someone you know is being hurt, don’t wait. Tell someone you trust — a teacher, counsellor or family member.”
From the sister islands
The territory’s four main islands were represented by the child speakers: Alexandre from Tortola; Javonte Benjamin and Kai’ Jaanique Hendrickson-Smith from Virgin Gorda; Marla-Monae Gray from Jost Van Dyke; and Amiah Chang from Anegada.
The vigil also included speeches from members of WIN BVI and the Association of Guyanese in the BVI, which both helped organise the event.
From government, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, Governor Daniel Pruce and Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn gave remarks as well.
Other speakers included Mrs. BVI Globe 2024 Rhonda Pinnock, whose pageant platform centred on raising awareness about domestic and gender-based violence.
“Child abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, or even through neglect, can quietly take root and impact not just the individual but entire communities and generations to come,” Ms. Pinnock said.
Call for action
In observance of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley issued a statement on April 10, calling for collaborative effort in protecting the children of the VI.
“Here in the Virgin Islands, we must remain ever watchful — knowing the signs of abuse, taking action without hesitation, and ensuring that no child slips through the cracks,” he said. “That means not only strengthening and reinforcing our child protection systems, but also addressing the root causes through supporting policies and programmes that empower families, alleviate stressors and build resilience in our communities.”
Sexual offences bill
The minister also gave an update on the proposed Sexual Offences Bill, which he said is still in the works.
“This landmark legislation proposes a gender-sensitive legal framework to address sexual crimes, prioritise the well-being of survivors and hold offenders accountable,” Mr. Wheatley said. “It will introduce trauma-informed practices for survivors, mentorship initiatives, and implement tracking systems for sexual offenders following their reintegration into society. In addition, the bill will enable the creation of a sexual offenders registry in the territory so that survivors are supported and communities are safer.”
The government previously promised the bill early last year after Cabinet approved a legislative brief for it. The House of Assembly is set to debate the bill during its current session, according to the Speech from the Throne delivered by Mr. Pruce in January.
