Message by Minister of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing Hon. Mike Adam, MBE, JP

It is my pleasure to welcome this special time of year as we express our appreciation for the boys and girls of the Cayman Islands during the 16^th annual May Child Month observance.

With this, I am proud to announce that the Department of Children and Family Services in conjunction with the Ministry of Community Affairs, Gender and Housing have planned an eventful month of activities to encourage families to reconnect and spend quality time together.

Child Month is an international celebration, which serves to focus our collective attention on our children – and it further reminds us of the roles adults play in their innocent lives. This year’s theme Educate, Motivate and Advocate For All Children highlights the importance of this concept.

Let us engage their bright young minds, continue to inspire and motivate them to achieve their dreams, as well as commit to protecting their rights, as they grow to shape and strengthen our community.

We each have a responsibility to ensure that our children have a successful future. After all, we owe it to ourselves to nurture our children. How we mould our youth is key to the development of this country, for they are our future leaders.

So under this year’s theme – Educate, Motivate and Advocate For All Children – be mindful that the early years are the foundation of our children’s lives. Let’s show them love, give of our time and be good role models throughout their childhood.