NASSAU, BAHAMAS – This is a time-sensitive and urgent appeal to the conscience of our nation.
While The Bahamas has made notable strides in child protection over the years, we must be clear-eyed and honest: our work is far from finished. Too many children continue to suffer the lifelong trauma of sexual abuse, often in silence. Progress, while commendable, must never be mistaken for completion.
We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of government agencies, frontline professionals, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens who have worked diligently to strengthen child protection systems across our country. These contributions matter and have helped move the needle forward. However, the reality remains that we must become more proactive, better trained, and more closely aligned with internationally recognized child protection standards if we are to truly safeguard our children.
In response to this urgent need, Save Our Children Alliance is planning a Child Protection Training and Reform Symposium in 2026, to be held in Nassau, Bahamas. This symposium is intended to be more than dialogue. It will provide expert assessments, identify gaps in our current systems, share global best practices, and help guide meaningful reforms in the areas where The Bahamas needs the greatest support.
This is a rare and critical opportunity to bring international expertise directly to our shores and to strengthen our national child protection framework. It is also an opportunity to begin 2026 with intention—by placing the safety and well-being of children at the forefront of our national priorities.
However, time is not on our side. To ensure that this symposium becomes a reality, Save Our Children Alliance and partnering NGOs urgently need sponsors and supporters. We are appealing to government, corporate citizens, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and individuals to step forward and help make this initiative possible. Investing in child protection is not charity—it is a responsibility.
This appeal is not meant to diminish past efforts, but to build upon them. Save Our Children Alliance remains committed to ensuring that our society is better trained, better informed, and better equipped to confront and prevent child sexual abuse. Our goal is simple but profound: to ensure that every child in The Bahamas grows up in a safe and protective environment.
If we are serious about protecting our children, then we must act now—not later, not after another tragedy, and not when it is more convenient. 2026 is approaching quickly, and the decisions we make today will shape the safety of our children tomorrow.
