Division of Youth Affairs and Barbados Boy Scouts Association Partner for Child Safeguarding Workshop

The Youth Development Programme, in the Division of Youth Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, hosted a Child Safeguarding Workshop for members of the Barbados Boy Scouts Association (BBSA) on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Scout Headquarters, Hazelwood, Collymore Rock, St. Michael.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Carl Padmore, with support from Youth Commissioners Rachel Scott and Pius Emilien of the Division of Youth Affairs.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection practices among organisations that work directly with children and young people. The workshop was delivered in collaboration with UNICEF, which continues to play a leading role in championing child rights and safeguarding initiatives across Barbados. Through training and capacity-building programmes, UNICEF partners with organisations such as the Barbados Boy Scouts Association, teachers, coaches, and youth advocates to promote child rights awareness and harm prevention.

Chief Commissioner of the Barbados Boy Scouts Association, Mr. Trevor Jones, described the workshop as timely and highly beneficial. He noted that the Association is actively educating its members about World Scouting’s Safe from Harm initiative, a comprehensive global framework designed to ensure that the Scout Movement remains a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children, young people, and adults.

Mr. Jones emphasised that the Child Safeguarding Workshop aligns perfectly with the Association’s commitment to implementing Safe from Harm principles throughout its programmes and activities.

Also in attendance were Deputy Chief Commissioners Marva Cobham and Rev. Martin Taylor, along with other senior members, executive committee members, and Scout leaders from across the Association.

Participants responded positively to the presentation, describing it as informative, practical, and relevant to their roles as youth leaders. Many expressed a strong interest in participating in additional safeguarding workshops and training opportunities in the future.

The Division of Youth Affairs remains committed to supporting organisations that work with young people and to fostering environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive safely.