A peaceful Protect Our Children and Women Protest and Rally is being planned to advocate for greater attention to the challenges affecting children and women across Dominica.
The event is being organized by the newly formed Protect Our Children and Women (POCW) WhatsApp group, founded by women and children’s advocate and entrepreneur Tamanthia Joseph.
Speaking about the initiative, Joseph said the group was established in response to growing concerns within communities about sexual abuse, exploitation, domestic violence and other forms of violence affecting children and women.
“From this rally, I hope that greater initiatives are taken up from the government and people in charge of the relevant institutions where children and women need attention when reports are made to the police station. Too many people suffer in silence. I felt that instead of only discussing on social media platforms about these issues, we needed to come together and take a stand for what is right.”
The planned rally comes following the discovery of remains of what is believed to be the missing 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul of Portsmouth in a precipice on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has since charged and remanded two police officers and a woman from Marigot in connection with Paul’s disappearance and murder.
Joseph said she particularly wants the initiative to reach victims and survivors and remind them that they deserve to be heard, supported and protected.
“They are not alone! There are people who really care!”
POCW also plans to visit schools to speak with children, engage communities and provide access to counselling from qualified counsellors for affected victims who need support.
According to Joseph, the group also wants to encourage timely reporting and greater accountability from institutions responsible for addressing cases involving children and women.
“We want to bring greater attention to the institutions that uphold that field, as “reporting is key.’ The people we have to report to about cases for children and women. We want to ensure when reported, these issues are dealt with in a quick and timely manner.”
Joseph is encouraging members of the public to participate, regardless of whether they have personally experienced abuse.
“Don’t wait until it happens to your child, sister, mother, friend or someone you love before you decide to speak up. This is about protecting our children and women. Come out peacefully, bring your signs, bring your voices and stand with us. Even if you have never personally experienced abuse, your presence can show a survivor that they are not alone. Our message is simple: “Protect our children. Protect our women. Break the silence.”
The rally is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM at the Botanical Gardens.
Persons interested in supporting or participating can join the POCW WhatsApp group or contact the organizers at 767-613-2651.
