Amid a troubling increase in reports of teenagers, especially females, leaving home and going missing for days, Rise Saint Lucia Inc. Chairman Dr. Venus Cherry has highlighted the urgent need to address the root causes of this issue.
Cherry stressed the critical role parents play in addressing and preventing these cases by improving their parenting skills and understanding the needs of their children.
According to the Rise Saint Lucia Chairman, there are two main categories of missing teenagers: legitimately missing and those who run away due to various challenges at home.
He pointed out that the reasons for running away often involve different forms of abuse, including mental, physical, financial, and sexual abuse — issues that are frequently hidden and unaddressed within families. “These kids are no longer going to stay quiet and just take it. They are going to speak out in one way or the other, and if that means running away, they will,” he said.
Dr. Cherry also highlighted a concerning trend of young people being exposed to or engaging in early sexual activities, sometimes encouraged by adults who exploit their vulnerabilities.
He calls this a “sad case” and emphasised the need for parents to show more affection and attention to their children. “Hug them, kiss them, tell them you love them. A lot of children never get that,” he noted, stressing that many teens may be running away because they feel unheard and unloved.
Dr. Cherry observed that a significant part of the problem lies in how parents communicate and discipline their children. “We don’t listen to our children enough,” he said, pointing out that harsh verbal abuse and public humiliation can severely damage a child’s self-esteem, making them more susceptible to negative influences.
“If you keep calling your child ‘jamet’ and telling them they’re nasty, what do you think will happen? Their self-esteem becomes low, and they become easy targets,” he added.
Cherry addressed the intergenerational cycle of broken homes, where children who lack love and proper guidance become parents themselves, perpetuating harmful behaviors.
He called for widespread parenting education programs across Saint Lucia to break this cycle. “We need a lot more parenting programs in this country,” he urged, stressing that parents need to understand the long-term impact of their words and actions on their children’s mental health.
However, Dr. Cherry pointed out that no official platform or government body in Saint Lucia is currently dedicated to educating parents on effective parenting. “I don’t think there is any official channel or ministry responsible, and maybe that is the problem. We don’t have it,” he said while calling for action to establish such avenues.
It’s generational curses, witchcraft, envy, lack of education – I can keep going etc. etc. etc.
Dr Cherry you are on point with all the issues raised however you can only educate those who want to learn.
We are trying to solve a problem long after the horses have bolted out of the stables.
Today’s families are largely nonfunctional it’s all about economics, putting food on the table and in the school bags, the rent payments , the utility bills, clothing and shoes , the mobile phones, the bus fares and the list goes on.
The absence of supervision before and after school, the nonexistent of the extended family and village, the absence of the church etc.
The easy access to porn material. I believe this is our new normal.
This world has become a material world ,people especially children (alot of them) will do anything for money and nice things.
Children are making children and there are no grandparents or greatgrandparents to help raise and guide these kids. Parents are making out and having sex in the clear view of their kids mainly due to their tight living conditions.
Dr Cherry we need to think pass education. This is not unique to St lucia, we need a global strategy for this new normal.
The next Einstein. Two main reasons only they run away or are taken against their will. Really, bro!!! Um yep you right again!! Wow, this Island has too many brains……hmmm