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Minister for Social Transformation Lenard Montoute: Is he determined enough not to let the ills of the centre continue under his watch?
It didn’t take long for
Dr Urban Seraphin, social worker Jane Alexander and Marcellina John to figure out that just about everything that could go wrong at the Massade Boys Training Centre did.
When commissioned by the social transformation ministry to investigate the festering cesspit where St Lucia keeps both its orphans and its juvenile delinquents, the three person team needed only six weeks to figure out what successive governments have not.
It’s been known for years but now it is official. Sex abuse, physical abuse and institutional neglect are part of the architecture and design of the failed institution known as BTC and there is more than enough blame to share between the staff, the management, the social transformation ministry, the department of health and human services and the family court.
“The agencies i.e. Family Court and Human Services said that there have always been suspicions of abuse and bad practice looming over BTC for years,” said the BTC Investigative Team, in a report scheduled to be distributed to the press later today. But the government wanted a professional opinion from a disinterested party.
There had been three deaths at BTC by the time Seraphin and company started digging into the bowels of BTC. None of the deaths were followed by investigations.
“Yet residents continue to be placed there,” said the Seraphin report, in a thinly veiled criticism of both Family Court and the department of health and human services. “The placement of these residents in most cases comes via the Family Court. Despite their vulnerability, children, especially those under care and protection, are being sent to BTC because there is nowhere else to send them.”
The Family Court in particular continues to insist that they have been judged wrongly, and they have done the right thing in respect of the welfare of the residents.
“But one must look at the safety of the child as paramount,” the Seraphin report insisted. The Seraphin investigation of BTC had its limitations and is by no means exhaustive.
“Information came to individual members of BTC investigative team outside of the investigative arena but the team wanted to make sure that the proper procedures were followed,” the investigators admitted. “There were also documents that BTCIT wanted to see at BTC but did not get around to checking all of them that were held in office.”
Not to mention that both boys and staff of BTC had a tendency to clam up on sensitive issues which needed airing the most.
The Massade Boys Training Centre: Now that the horrors of the centre are documented in the Seraphin report will things change?
“Residents accepted that being at BTC meant no one cared or if they did, what could or would they do anyway?” the investigative report said of the prevalent attitude of BTC boys. “This is definitely alarming. If the centre cannot offer them safety from the bowels of abuse and neglect, it might place them more at risk.”
According to the report boys were contemplating suicide because they felt unloved. Rage was prevalent too. One resident was angry with his mother whom he believes arranged with the Magistrate the length of time that he should spend at BTC.
As for allegations of sexual abuse: “The manner in which these abuses had been taking place suggests that these allegations were well-founded . . . the needs of the most vulnerable residents to be protected both from staff and other residents are paramount.”
BTC boys told investigators about hearing other boys engaged in conversations about sexual activities. They also mentioned threats of assault if they spoke up and being told about other boys being caught having sex.
“The terminology ‘bulling’ was often used in the interviews in respect of any acts between residents or men,” the report said bluntly. “Beatings were commonplace according to residents to the point they believed that staff did it on purpose to upset them, then have excuse to call the police so that they could get a beating, be locked up in a cell and/or to show residents that they will always be in trouble because they could not control their temper.”
A number of staff members had alleged that they had heard stories about boys engaged in sexual activities but had not seen it. One staff member spoke about being informed by a person from the Gros Islet clinic that they had seen two residents on the compound at BTC under bushes engaged in a sexual act. Another spoke about catching two boys ‘having sex.’ On both occasions they informed the line manager, and were told that the boys in question were spoken to and sent for a medical. The investigative team assumed that the medical was to check for any injury or sexually transmitted diseases.
“The most damning information cited the sexual abuse of resident, from masturbation, performing oral sex on residents and it being reciprocated to sodomy of residents involving at least two members of staff,” the report said, confirming a story reported in last week’s STAR. “One member of staff said that he reported it but no one believed him or if they did were powerless to do anything about it.”
It was also reported that a female and male member of staff were caught having sex in the female toilets and on two separate occasions that same female staff plus a male staff were seen walking around with just their underwear using the residents’ shower. Physical abuse of residents to residents was commonplace too, with older or stronger residents picking on the younger or weaker ones.
One resident, soon after being admitted to BTC, was threatened with beatings by older residents. Upon telling staff, he was told that he complained too much, or was telling tales, that he should fight back. One member of staff accused him of being “mad.”
More staff admitted that physical abuse was rife at BTC, that residents were often slapped, shoved, pulled and locked up in the cell for some minor indiscretion as far as they were concerned. Others spoke about brutality by police officers, with residents being beaten because a staff member called police.
“The two residents who felt happy and the one who felt relieved appeared to be the ones wielding the power,” the investigators said in their report. “Staff also felt a little intimidated by them. Again the feeling of powerlessness haunted the staff who knew it was wrong and felt unable to do anything about it.”
The abuse of marijuana is also commonplace at the centre according to staff who often caught residents with it. Staff spoke about older residents using younger ones to collect it from Gros Islet and if they young ones refused they were threatened with a beating. On one occasion, the report said, marijuana was confiscated only to be given back later to the same resident.
Worse yet, the report said, “Staff as well as residents spoke about a member of staff with a coke habit. Residents picked it up after it dropped from his pocket.”
The Seraphin investigation concludes that, “The problem at BTC is not a new one. It has been allowed to continue for whatever reason. As a result BTC has become a law unto itself. BTC will become an institution synonymous with bad practice, maltreatment and of de-skilled individuals who cannot offer the type of support that the residents need.”
But the real question raised by the report is ‘What kind of society treats its young with such cruelty and disdain?’ As the prime minister himself said at the recent handing over of the Mental Wellness Centre, “A society is judged by how well it treats its least fortunate.” And, no doubt, how long it allows the pain to be prolonged.
(More on the Seraphin Investigation into BTC,
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Shocking, absolutely shocking! After reading this article, I am left dumfounded, gobsmacked. I would like to know two things; is there a plan of action to eradicate and implement more effective practices? And above all, are those responsible for this inhumane and degrading treatment of human beings, going to be held accountable? In the case of the court involved I can partially understand their dilemma, as if there is no alternative to this damming place, their hands are left tied. Choosing between two evils is always a hard thing to do. Past and present Administrations should be held accountable. Adding to that, the police should be taught their role and responsibility and cast out the myth that they are the bloody law. Where are the Human Rights representatives? Besides, isnt there a Human Rights Act in St Lucia? I sincerely hope that this report will not remain on paper collecting dust, and recommendations are made and acted upon swiftly!!
Why did Montoute sit on this report for so long. What actions have been taken to implement the recommendations? Your bet, as good as mine.
Ofcourse St.Lucia has human right laws, they just don’t adhere to them.I watched a protest by primary school children against abuse of children as well as women in soufriere and Castries. I have the fotos to show.A st.lucia woman standing next to me said”what papishow dey making the children do dare.” me with my big mouth started to explain that it is not papishow d children doing.Since then many a child has been found dead somewhere, many a young girl pregnant from some man or step father.
What is happening at the the boys torture chamber is a fall out of our rotten society and practices.People having children that they can’t control and direct. They themselves need to be directed, and you know who is failing to do that the christian church!people don’t wana tell people the truth for fear of offending them, but the truth of the matter is if you remove God from the equation, you are deemed and doomed to failure.
St.Lucia is going to be full of male homosexuals…..not because they prefere to have sex with men, but because they are being taught that kind of behaviour where they are incarsarated. They are not diciplined, not taught to take exercise and respect themselves and others.If they feel a sexual urge, they just go with it, that’s what adults have done for years, and thats what they have learnt too.
What is the answer??If there is any future for St.Lucia as a nation, All of us have to take responsiblity for what is happening.Yes speak to the young boy or girl and direct them to ask themselves questions about their choices in life, about their future. Education in it’s best forms should be taught, and those at the top,Politicians and Ministers and the churches too whould play a part in the best care for these boys.As for the disgustin staff, I think that they shoul be charged and jailed as a lesson to those who don’t do right for those put in their care.God says revenge is His, those kids are his too and some one will have to pay.Even Ministers. srt…
What human rights, rights are always trappled upon? What are the plans for these residents? How will we return them to society to become murderers, drugs addicts, women abusers??????
These individuals have problems and if not socially addressed shall mushrooms into criminal problems that society cannot handle. People of Saint Lucia, authorities, civic groups, clergies, politicians address these matters. “Help Helen of the West” Already, many St Lucian males are very unskilled: due to “no banana jobs” and being unskilled with those issue will not help our society.
SPEND THE MONEY TO HELP THESE WARDENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr./ Ms. parent(s), I have a serious problem with you just offloading your children on the State and leaving them at the the BTC to suffer; shame shame shame.
When you are enjoying your self or having a meal do you ever think of your child’s situation? Do you ever visit him to let him know you care? When you are all dressed up and looking good, do you every wonder what he has to wear? And when you are asking God for things for yourself, do you ever offer for your child, even a short little prayer?
Mr. “State” now that you have the report we await your actions regarding the welfare, safety and training for a productive future for these children. Also is anyone going to be held responsible for the evil done to them? Will they be punished for hurting them? They are depending on you. Please correct the wrongs done to them immediately.
Mr./Ms. Public please do not be afraid of the children they need you now.
When a child is hungry and desolate, and the survival instinct kicks in, crime then becomes an action of necessity. There are no bad children, they are just victims of the circumstances adults dish out to them.
But when you are kind to a child, that child basks in it and blossoms like a flower and appreciates it for ever and ever.
So please my people let us join those who are already assisting and let us all help the children together.
Montoute should be made accountable for hanging on the reports so long.
Such in-competent behavior with zero character .
Why was a report needed? Its been blatantly clear that the very reason for which the centre was set up was wrong in the first place, since it was simply to house these boys. Then u have boys being sent there for reasons which range from serving jail time, protective custondy, juvenile delinquency, all manners of abuses.etc. etc. etc. The institution was inadequate in tems of space, resources and a clear objectives. Why were boys being sent to Massade? Did they come out any better? Are there any success stories? We live in a society which just accepts things the way they are! Anyone involved in the ministry reponsible for the training centre, and the centre itself should be ashamed of themselves….both past and present. We speak of different ministries and department like they are not interconnected in terms of their link to our overall development as a society. These same boys leave the centre, go out into the public without being reformed, and cause all manner of chaos which affects our crime rate, the tourist industry and the economy. The minister can ensure his government gets re-elected in a simple way……..FIX MASSADE!!!!!
Lyn…….I commend you for such nice piece of writing you hit the nail on the head. Keep up the good work as for the children may God bless them all. Mr Minister you promise to do better for the children sake keep your promise make us all proud.These allegations are serious and someone need to be held accountable.
The truth must be told and it was high time for this shameless acts to come to light. Why are you all suprise at the findings. I am living in the U.S for 22 years now and since I was a little girl I have been hearing about the abuse that was going on in this place.It is a new era and things are comming to light. It is high ime for the government to do someting about child abuse on the island.
I just can’t understand why? ormay be I can. I visit St Lucia often to spend time with my family and enjoy our lovely Island. and really What I see upsets me. I see growon men allowed to fratanise with young women and it is socially accepted. I go out and see young women dancing in in what you might as well call sexual postions. Everything is accepted in St Lucia and none thinks they have a right to speak out, In my villlage alone I witnessed a man get another men to pay him $5.00 to have sex with a mentally challenged wonamen$5.00 each. I challenged the men who recieved the money for this nonsense I had just observed, he said that it does not matter it is just St Lucia , what else is there to do, I tried to point out that these poeople are veneralbe and we need to be better citizens to those less fortunate than ourselves, to me it’s like it fell on deaf ears.It hurt my feelings deeply that the generation of today look at St Lucia as Just St Lucia. What a shame. form a tourist point of view when I returned to London and my whitework collegues ased me about my holiday what
I live in London but visit St Lucia often, I feel so sorry for these young children who have no one and nothing, for whatever reason they have been placed in the care of the authority and the authority has let them down. I have driven past the this awful place and from the outside you wounder what the hell is going on in there and it is all to obvious, I meet these childern when they return to our village, they are for ever changed, the life has been sucked out of them. When are we going to help these young people who have nothing and end up with less? What kind of a society are we to know that these things were going on and turn our backs. I blame myself to because we all heard it on the grape vine but look at that ,none of us chose to speak out against this terrible abuse of our Next Generation of adults. I hope that all who needs to be punished be punished, and all that can get some sort of rehablitation get it so that this bad bad experience will not hamper their future to be better adults than we have proved to be to them..
Seriously! Are we really that surprised or are we just pretending not to know what was going on at the BTC?! I once visited the centre and was absolutely horrified at the condition- little boys locked up in cells like prisoners, with buckets to be used as toilets. I thought it was meant to be a place to rehabilitate young offenders but it was just a dumping ground! A jounalist once wrote a story after getting into the training centre and doing a bit of investigating, and the local newspaper she worked for refused to publish the article. Politics I suppose! But with such a serious issue, it’s amazing how it takes precedence over the lives of our young ones. I am hopeful, although not holding my breath, that all these reports being written will yield effective solutions to the problem and not become just another set of words on paper.