By Chantalé Fletcher
CHAIRMAN of Republic Financial Holdings Limited Vincent Pereira will lead the team established to undertake the systematic review of Catholic Care Homes for children.
Pereira was also the Deputy Chair of United Way TT and head of BHP Billiton in Trinidad.
On Friday, the Catholic Media Service Limited (MSC) in a press release stated that the team was set up by the Catholic Archdiocese in Port of Spain and was now tasked to implement new policies and guidelines that meet international standards for the management of homes and the care for children.
Pereira will be joined by Clinical Child Psychologist Dr Karen Moore with over 25 years of experience in the areas of child psychology, specialising in the areas of child abuse and trauma, among other areas; Industrial Court Judge Angela Hamel-Smith and formerly the Group Manager Human Resource with the Massy Group for over 20 years, and attorney-at-law Annabelle Sooklal who had 29 years of experience in civil matters.
The Catholic Media Service stated the mandate was focused on restructuring homes in accordance with best-in-class international guidelines – including those provided by UNICEF.
“The team is expected to carry out a thorough and comprehensive analysis of primary services, such as human resource competencies, job functions, and organisational structure, as well as operational and financing deficiencies. It is expected that the analysis should provide the most appropriate way forward for multifaceted rehabilitation and successful social reintegration of children entering the Catholic care system,” the release stated.
In addition, it also said that recommendations should be reflective of the specific legislative and socioeconomic characteristics of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Catholic Media Service added, “Over time, the team will draw on the expertise and experience of other professionals and resources which would benefit their work.”
Archbishop Jason Gordon said, “In spite of the many success stories that have emerged from children’s homes, it is clear that the system has serious deficiencies which must be corrected. It is time for the Church to step up and move forward to remedy these shortcomings, through a comprehensive and systemic overhaul of our care institutions for children.
“Every child is a gift from God and deserves to live in safety and with the loving support of responsible adults. I am grateful to this team for their generosity in volunteering their time and service to this significant and important undertaking.”
The announcement followed Archbishop Charles’s commitment on June 6 to enroll the support of competent, qualified, and concerned persons to relook at how Catholic residential homes for children were managed.
