Press Release
The British High Commissioner, Smita Rossetti, was honoured to be joined by First Lady Mrs. Ann-Marie Davis for a joint pre-Christmas visit to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel on Wednesday 3 December.
The visit underscored the shared commitment of The Bahamas and the United Kingdom to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that every child and young person grows up in a safe, nurturing environment. During their visit, the First Lady and High Commissioner met with staff and children at the Hostel, joined them in after-school activities, and expressed gratitude for the tireless work of caregivers.
The First Lady and High Commissioner gifted the children stationery and art-based supplies as Christmas presents, generously donated by UK-based company and retailer TG Jones. A leading supplier of books, stationery, and educational resources across the UK, TG Jones has a strong commitment to supporting communities and fostering opportunities for children through learning and creativity. Simon Ellison, Supply Chain Director at TG Jones, said: “We are really pleased to be supporting the British High Commission in The Bahamas, with books and stationery for the children at the Hostel. When the High Commissioner contacted us, we were more than happy to help.”
The First Lady noted that ‘I am pleased to accompany H.E Smita Rossetti on this visit. The Children’s Emergency Hostel cares for vulnerable children from the newborn stage until they transition out at around age twelve. In my view, this is one of the institutions where the greatest level of care and support is needed, particularly because many of the children are infants. These early years are the most formative, and the demands on the Hostel extend far beyond daily feeding and basic supplies. The children require constant nurturing, guidance and developmental support. It is essential that we help identify their abilities, address challenges, and provide an environment that encourages growth, learning and emotional stability. It was truly a pleasure to introduce the High Commissioner to the Hostel and join her on this visit.’
The High Commissioner said, ‘This joint visit reflects our commitment that each child deserves safety, dignity and a chance to thrive. I am grateful to the First Lady for her leadership and commitment in championing the rights of some of the most vulnerable, and to the dedicated caregivers at the Hostel whose work makes a profound difference every day. The Hostel is one of several operating in Nassau, including also Ranfurly Homes for Children, all of whom are central ensuring no child faces crisis alone. The environment that the leadership team and caregivers at the Hotel have created is truly special, with so much warmth and attention, and drawing on the skills of trained teachers and nurses who are now part of the staff team. However, the ongoing needs are clear, and I know the Hostel, as well as other children’s care homes in The Bahamas will welcome private donations of support.’
The High Commissioner also highlighted the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform, launched by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, whilst he was Foreign Secretary. The Charter urges all parties to uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, whilst urging greater investment in families, children, care givers, and inclusive services. It also calls for provisions that respond to the individual needs of each child, including safe family-based alternative care where appropriate. Within the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Antigua and Barbuda have signed. The High Commissioner encouraged The Bahamas to consider joining the Global Charter as a signatory.
The Children’s Emergency Hostel is a non-profit organisation providing a ‘home from home’ for children aged 0-12 years needing urgent protection, accommodation, food, clothing and medical care. The Hostel can provide for up to 35 children at any one time.
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