People Empowerment, Elder Affairs - B'dos

09/05/2026

Child rights advocate, the Hon. Faith Marshall-Harris, is reappointed as Chair of the National Committee on the of the .

The mandate of the last committee ended in August 2025, and several intervening events and resulting changes led to delays in the formation of a new committee.

Even as the new committee is convened, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the Hon. Adrian Forde praised the Chair for achieving this new mandate.

Mrs Marshall-Harris says the committee is tasked with monitoring issues affecting the nation’s children and reporting its findings to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, of which she is a member.

She adds that the new committee is made up of one of the best qualified and most committed memberships over the thirteen years she has served as chair.

Members who previously served with distinction have been joined by new appointees, bringing together a wealth of expertise, talent and commitment that she says is urgently needed. (Edited text thanks to )

25/04/2026

are being reminded if they see unusual situations with children to report it immediately, and if they are unsure what children are using their tablets for, to make sure the content is wholesome, this advice from the Hon. Adrian Forde – Minister of People Empowerment & Elder Affairs at the start of a walk observing the conclusion of Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention month.

Minister Forde declared the official opening of this walk for the Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) this morning at the north side of the Warrens Office Complex. He said it is vital for those in education, healthcare and law enforcement to understand the Child Protection bill refers to Mandatory Reporting and “if you see something, say something,” while reminding if cases prove to be a false alarm there’s no rebuke if the notification was made in good faith

Minister Forde stated this is just the beginning of making sure children and older Barbadians are understood and listened to as well... “Government has started to ensure that there’s a legislative framework to protect our children. It started with the Child Justice bill, then the Child Protection Act, I want to add we understand and appreciate that the vulnerable sector must be protected – only a few days ago, we passed legislation treating to our elderly population.”

Participants of the walk consisted of students from nearby primary and secondary schools in addition to staff and management of the SEA, the route traversed from the complex towards the One Accord Plaza circling along the main stretch from the Dome Mall towards the SOL gas station and passing the Chefette restaurant to return to the Warrens Office Complex.

Last year the walk was held in then 2024 the walk was through Bridgetown, The theme for this year is, ‘Protecting Childhood Through Strong Families, Caring Communities and Safe Digital Spaces’.

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25/04/2026

"People Empowerment Minister receives Courtesy Meeting with UN Women"

The Hon. Adrian R. Forde, M.P., Minister of People Empowerment and Eder Affairs held a courtesy meeting with Ms. Sharon Carter-Burke, Communications & Advocacy Analyst of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality, and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

Permanent Secretary Wayne Marshall, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag) Rodney Payne plus Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) Director William Warner and officers of BGA also participated.

This meeting reaffirmed UN Women's commitment to advancing its continued partnership with the Government of Barbados.

Therefore, deliberations addressed issues of gender equality across all socio-economic sectors, climate change, gender-based violence and the role of legislative and policy frameworks in advancing gender equality relative to the 2030 Agenda.

(Image Courtesy - )

23/04/2026

17/04/2026

Show your support for Child Abuse Awareness Prevention by wearing blue each Friday. Make sure to participate with the Social Empowerment Agency and their walk next week. Ms Roseanne Richards tells the media about it... 🇧🇧

08/04/2026

The Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) of the Ministry of People Empowerment & Elder Affairs (MPEA) is inviting all levels of society to join in combatting the scourge of child abuse.

Roseanne Richards, Director of Social Care & Delivery with the SEA filled in members of the media on the culmination of their activities which includes the traditional walk on Friday 24th April this year.

“Each year, we take the walk through a different parish, first time was in Bridgetown, next we went through Oistins and last year was Speightstown. This year we’re looking to go through the environs of Warrens, where our parent Ministry is located so we can sensitise the public and invite participation from nearby schools.”

The press also heard from MPEA Minister, Adrian Forde who reminded them how Government is proactive in ensuring the rights of Barbados’ future are shielded from those who’d seek to exploit the vulnerable...

“Child Protection legislation, which was passed in Parliament on January 2nd this year is extremely important in our fight to fully protect our children.One of the significant features of this legislation is Mandatory Reporting; where persons who recognise abuse and are in the precinct of children – have a duty to report it.” Mr Forde also noted – “It is unfortunate we have to implement legislation in order for this to happen, since I believe every single Barbadian has an inherent duty to protect our children.”

The Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) would also be releasing dates, places and times for a series of workshops for parents and children to improve their real-life interaction and skills.

07/04/2026

What your child doesn’t tell you about their online world could put them at risk.

Teaching children to stay S.A.F.E.R. online can protect them from risks they may not
even recognize.

This Child Abuse Awareness Month, take just 4 minutes to learn how to keep your
child safe online and get your free safety tips booklet by:
1. Completing the anonymous checklist: bit.ly/ycmsafeonline
2. Getting your online safety score to download your free Caribbean Online Safety
Checklist and Resources Booklet.

Start now. Protect your child before it’s too late. Look out for more tips and posts this
Child Abuse Awareness Month.


UNICEF ChildAbuseAwarenessMonth

31/03/2026

Let’s turn Barbados blue 💙

Join with the Association on April 2nd and every Friday in April by wearing blue in support of autism awareness.

This year, under our theme “One Community, One Heart”, we’re coming together to build a more understanding and inclusive community—one simple act at a time.