Probation & Child Protection Services Week of Activities continues with ‘Awesome’ lunch for Primary School Children

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas flanked by Sixth Graders J’niah Prentice (left) and Sharika Williams of the Estridge Primary School.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 22ND 2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Minister of Social and Community Development, the Hon. Marcella Liburd joined other public and private sector officials in hosting primary school children at lunch on Tuesday.

The “awesome lunch” was among events organised by the Ministry’s Department of Probation & Child Protection Services in celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Week under the theme “Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families,” in observance of Universal Children’s Day.

The children were excited to be the guests of honour where they were placed upon pedestals. They were chosen from amongst their classmates because of their outstanding ability and exceptional demeanor. They represented their respective schools in the most admirable manner and their parents would be very proud of their effort.

Other hosts of children were Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor; Attorney General Hon. Patrice Nesbitt; Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador, His Excellency Miguel Tsao; Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Curtis Martin; Parliamentarian Hon. Shawn Richards; Businessman Michael Martin; Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Calvin Cable; OAS Representative Starrett Greene, and representatives from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and National Bank Ltd., Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Ashton Stanley, Kenneth Bobb of Digicel, Leroy Richards of Delisle Walwyn and representatives from the Advancement of Children Foundation.

Fifth grader Shellon Rouse (center) of the Irish Town Primary School interacts with her peers from the Estridge Primary School as Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Minister of Social and Commnity Development Hon. Marcella Liburd listen.	Minister of Social and Community Development Hon. Marcella Liburd (left) and Fifth Grader at the Irish Town Primary School, Shellon Rouse. (Photos by Junique Eddy)

“Today’s children are future leaders and yesterday they were able to get a glance of ways they can lead their country. Visiting the various businesses and officers was exposing them to possibilities of a better tomorrow and encouraging them to dream big. Our country depends on their healthy development and growth. With the support of engaged communities all of our children can thrive and have the opportunity to grow into caring, contributing and healthy adults,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It added that it is the involvement of the community in acts like these that promotes community parenting and mentoring.

The Department of Probation & Child Protection Services has extended its gratitude and admiration to the host parties in partnering with the Department in its effort to form a synergetic link to build a strong and solid foundation for the Nation’s children.