Barbadians must realise children have rights

The most important duties in this world are looking after children, upholding their rights and making sure they have the best life possible.

This reminder was given by the newly elected Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) member Faith Marshall-Harris, during a celebratory church service at Mount Zion’s Missions Church on Sunday. Earlier, she noted that in Barbados there appeared to be a notion that children do not have rights.

“I am here to tell you that is not in accordance with anything in the Bible. In fact, the UN position is that there are special rights that belong to children. However, they recognise that you also have rights as parents and your rights are to be respected. They also recognise the rights of individual nations and their particular religious observances and their cultural traditions,” said Marshall-Harris.

During her remarks, the attorney-at-Law and consultant praised and honoured the work of the Rock Dundo institution as they too focus on women and girls. Recalling a past consultation with Reverend Lucille Baird two years ago, Marshall-Harris noted it was the beginning of a strong supportive relationship with the religious leader as they shared similar interests, caring and catering to the needs of the vulnerable and the fragile.

“Apostle Baird and Mount Zion’s Missions here have been a blessing to me, whatever I have done thus far, and I pray that this will continue,” said Marshall Harris.

During the service, Marshall-Harris made a donation to their cause and the Committee on the Rights of the Child member received several gifts and a plaque from Reverend Baird and her team for her contribution to the church and society. The service was held to acknowledge the recent appointment of Marshall-Harris to CRC, where she was selected from 13 candidates.