In the wake of the tragic death of nine-year-old Chantel Crump, Director of Youth Affairs Dr Jrucilla Samuel has issued an urgent call for increased vigilance and communication between parents and children.
“This nation is experiencing a crisis like never before. As a parent, it grieves my heart,” Dr Samuel said in an interview with the Daily Observer.
Crump, who was a student of Five Islands Primary School, was reportedly on her way home when she encountered what Dr Samuel described as a “familiar stranger”. Her disappearance sparked a widespread search effort that ended with the discovery of her lifeless body in the Weatherills area early Saturday morning.
“I was hoping that the search would have yielded a more positive outcome, but unfortunately that was not the case,” Dr Samuel said, offering condolences to the family and friends of the young victim.
While authorities continue their investigations, Dr Samuel stressed the importance of supporting law enforcement rather than spreading unverified information.
“Although speculations are rife, the public must now support the police who are conducting the investigations. Now is not the time for misinformation or propaganda,” she said.
The director indicated the need for professional support services, noting that “continuous counseling is needed to help all those affected so that they can cope with this situation.”
Beyond the immediate response to Crump’s case, Dr Samuel addressed broader child safety concerns that demand attention.
“Our children, young people, and parents are going to have to be more vigilant. I know that all of us cherish our independence, but it cannot be business as usual in times like these,” the director of Youth Affairs said.
She pointed to specific parental practices that could enhance child safety, particularly knowing children’s whereabouts and routines.
“Sometimes our young people are missing and the parents do not even know where to start asking questions or have any idea where they can be found. If parents have this basic knowledge, it could save a life,” she added.
Dr Samuel advocated for what she termed a “mutual system of accountability” between parents and children.
“We must teach our children and youth that they too should check in with their parents or guardians and let them know if they have arrived at a dance class or wherever the destination should be.”
She also addressed the issue of children’s access to cell phones.
“Many times, parents take away their children’s cell phones. We know that cell phones can become a distraction, but some parents or guardians might have to rethink some of the decisions they would have made in the past,” Dr Samuel suggested.
She emphasized that communication devices could be crucial in emergencies.
“There should be an easy way for young people to communicate when they are in danger. Many people fall victims to all sorts of crimes because they had no way to ask for help. A cell phone with credit on it, of course, for example, could have made all the difference in these various cases,” according to Dr Samuel.
Counselors have been deployed to Chantel’s school to offer support to students and staff as they try to grapple with this tragedy.
