The Montserrat Safeguarding Board has been relaunched to guide the care and support offered to children and vulnerable adults.
A government press release on 27 January, said the board will re-convene in February. It did not say when or why the board previously suspended its meetings.
The board will be made up of strategic leaders and invested stakeholders from sectors such as social services, health, education, police and housing.
They will all be required to sign an oath of confidentiality before participating in discussions and decision-making processes.
In the press release, Governor Sarah Tucker said there is no greater priority in Montserrat than the safeguarding of its people.
“This multiagency board will ensure that there is a cohesive strategy, relevant resources and the appropriate authority to protect and care for our children and vulnerable adults,” she said.
“I am grateful to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for providing expert advice to support this initiative that I know will be a positive change for our island.”
The aim of the board is to continue to drive positive progress and achieve the best outcomes for the most vulnerable members of the community.
Ingrid Buffonge, Minister of Health, Social Services and Education, said children have the right to know they are protected as do Montserrat’s most vulnerable adults.
“This board and the work it takes forward will ensure we have the very best support in place and ensure that everyone feels safe in their daily lives,” she said.
“I remain a champion of the Montserrat Safeguarding Board and its role in our community.”
The board will be co-chaired by Commissioner of Police Mark Payne, and Camille Thomas-Gerald, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Payne described the relaunch of the board as an important step forward for Montserrat and said that everyone is responsible for safeguarding.
“It is through working together, identifying opportunities for improvements and strengthening our collaborative approach that we will best promote the safety, recovery, and well-being of children and adults at risk,” he said.
Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to protect individuals, especially vulnerable groups, from harm, abuse and neglect, ensuring their well-being and rights are upheld.
The Safeguarding Children Board came into effect alongside relevant legislation in 2017.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services in collaboration with Unicef published a National Child Protection and Safeguarding Protocol for Montserrat the same year.
