NOC sex scandal… Culture Minister

“saddened” by allegations of

misconduct

- calls MPs’ interest cheap politicking

By Latoya Giles

After almost three weeks of coverage by various media outlets about sexual allegations made by teenage girls at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has now asserted that he’s “saddened” by the allegations.
The Minister along with his Permanent Secretary Alfred King and several staffers from the NOC addressed the media at a joint press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters. According to Anthony, he is saddened by the allegations of misconduct and/or inappropriate behaviour at the facility and the allegations that have been unfolding over the past week, with unsubstantiated information, causing the demoralization of staff of the NOC, and unnecessary unease among the juvenile internees.

NOC staffers with Minister Frank Anthony (centre) and Permanent Secretary Alfred King (second from left) at the press conference yesterday.

“I am pleased that the parents who have concerns have made a formal report to the Child Protection Agency on May 6th 2014….which is in keeping with the law. The Child Protection Agency applied to the Courts for the removal of the girls from NOC and was granted this Order on the May 9th 2014,” Anthony said.
He further explained that on May 10th, four female students were released into the custody of the Child Protection Agency. He said that two days later an investigative team visited NOC and interviewed staff and students pertaining to the allegations made.  According to Anthony, the staff of NOC was instructed to cooperate fully with the investigative team.
He emphasized that allegations of sexual misconduct are treated seriously.
“In the Sexual Offences Act it clearly stipulates the various offences and those who indulge in such practices must feel the full force of the law,” the minister said.
He said that, on the other hand, the same Act stipulates that where persons make false complaints, give false statements, depositions and evidence, they can be charged with making a false complaint, or for perjury.
“We note that opposition MPs Christopher Jones and Trevor Williams have been quite vocal on the matter and instead of working in the genuine interest of the students at NOC and their families, they have sought to politicize the matter and it is quite unfortunate that they would exploit people’s vulnerabilities for cheap politicking.”

THE 2012 COI REPORT
Anthony was also asked why the findings of the 2012 Commission of Inquiry are almost two years behind schedule. He acknowledged that the final report was to have been submitted since September 2012.
He said that the ministry has written to the Commission’s Chairman, Justice Winston Moore over a period of time asking for the report to be submitted. He said that Moore has not been paid for the work as yet, since the agreement was “after completion and handover” he would receive a “stipend”.
Further, the minister said that the board as far as he is aware produced a preliminary report.

OPENNESS AT NOC….NOTHING TO HIDE
Anthony said that unlike many juvenile facilities, the NOC is quite accessible. According to the Minister, they have a partnership with most faith-based institutions that visit on a weekly basis, with students having full access to these faith leaders.
Anthony said that they also have a committee that visits the institution on a regular basis and is authorized by law to access and speak with anyone at NOC.
The Suddie Hospital, according to the minister, provides monthly visits to the institution.
“Over the last few years we had several partnerships with various international organizations. These included live-in volunteers from the US Peace Corps, CUSCO, and currently we have two USAID SKYPE mentors living at NOC.”
He maintained that there is openness and officials at the NOC have nothing to hide, opining that the police should also begin to look into the allegations.

MEASURES
Meanwhile, the minister said that while they await the outcome of the investigations, several measures will be put in place. According to Anthony, they would work to complete the fencing of the institution so as to prevent any absconding to the backlands.
They would also mandate the committee to meet students on every visit and to make recommendations.
“We are willing, as we have been in the past, to have residential volunteers from international organizations….instead of visits every two months. We would like parents to visit once a week,” the Minister noted.
Anthony said that they are willing to partner with local organizations that can provide mentorship and will have open days so that the public can get a better appreciation of NOC.
He said in the medium term they would contemplate separating the boys from the girls, “that is making a separate institution for girls away from NOC”. Further, he said that they would also contemplate having a closed area for juveniles that have committed serious offences. They would not be allowed to mix with the general population, as is the current practice.