'Common Ground' Urged In Children’s Authority Dispute
Attorney-at-law Martin George says he is hopeful the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services can strike a « happy medium. »
His comment follows a call on Sunday by Minister Vandana Mohit for the Children’s Authority Board to resign.
Speaking with TTT News, Mr. George says he remains hopeful that the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services and the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago can reach common ground.
He cautioned that the absence of a functioning Board could negatively affect operations within the Family Court.
« If it is that the Children’s Authority is without a Board or without effective executive leadership and not able to function properly because the point is the Family Court makes referrals very often to the Children’s Court, to the Children’s Authority. The Children’s Authority is usually involved in several matters before the court, you know, sometimes just as, you know, seeking the interest and welfare of a child as a neutral third party. So yes, of course, that would definitely impact on operations. »
Mr. George said the Authority should be afforded an opportunity to properly account for its actions.
« Once they can demonstrate that they have acted reasonably, rationally, and creditably, then certainly this appears to be a scenario where we ought to give them the opportunity to be able to explain their situation, justify their stewardship, and probably make their request or whatever additional resources or support they need in terms of the discharge of their functions. »
However, he stressed that accountability must remain central to the discussion.
« We need to ensure that children are given that opportunity to be able to grow up and to become productive members of society without any unnecessary outside influences. So while we certainly would love to give full support for the Children’s Authority, we would also say that with that comes the duty of accountability and responsibility. »
On Sunday, Minister Mohit called on the Board of the Children’s Authority to resign, citing millions of dollars in outstanding payments, including staff benefits, statutory deductions, and payments owed to suppliers.
