CABINET NOTES- Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s response to child protection and gender-based violence.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, will create a dedicated, trauma-informed national facility to provide emergency shelter, therapeutic care, family strengthening, and structured reintegration support for vulnerable women and children.
Cabinet also approved the formalization of strategic partnerships to support the development and operation of the Safe Haven.
Notably, Team Island Girls has committed EC$350,000 toward construction and capital development, representing the culmination of several years of fundraising in support of this national cause.
An Alabama-based church partnership will provide volunteer labour, development support, furnishings, and community engagement assistance.
To complement these contributions, Cabinet has approved a Government capital investment of EC$500,000 to support land identification, site preparation, regulatory approvals, and initial construction works.
This brings the total start-up funding envelope to EC$850,000.
The Safe Haven will operate as an integrated national protection mechanism under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs.
Oversight will include a dedicated steering committee to ensure strong governance, accountability, and coordinated service delivery.
Cabinet further authorized the execution of Memoranda of Understanding with the identified partners and directed the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide the necessary legal drafting support to facilitate timely implementation.
With this approval, Phase I activities are expected to commence within two weeks, enabling the immediate mobilization of partner contributions and the advancement of site and operational preparations.
This initiative addresses a longstanding gap in the national social protection framework and reinforces the Government’s commitment to safeguarding its most vulnerable citizens while advancing a coordinated and sustainable system of care.