Down Syndrome body calls for action

THE Barbados Down Syndrome Association is calling on the Ministry of Education to address an issue of alleged abuse of a child last week.

The story, which was published in yesterday’s DAILY NATION, said an eight-year-old boy was beaten by a teacher at school last week.

“We consider this an act of brutality and a gross violation of human rights. Under no circumstance is this an acceptable form of punishment for any child,” president Asha Alleyne-Renwick said in a media release yesterday.

“It is our expectation that our children will be treated fairly and with respect while in the care of the state. That such an incident could occur in one of our schools brings the safety of Barbadian children with Down Syndrome into question.

“Statistics show that 50 per cent of infants with Down Syndrome are born with a heart defect. The child in question reportedly received blows to his back which could have had a disastrous outcome.”

Alleyne-Renwick said this behaviour would not be tolerated and asked the ministry to intervene.

The mother of the child spoke to the principal and also reported the incident to police. ( PR/SAT)