2 computers taken from GNCRC office

By Linda Straker

TWO computers with confidential and sensitive information pertaining to children in vulnerable situations were stolen from the office of the Grenada National Coalition on the Rights of the Child (GNCRC) during the weekend.

The office, which is located on Lucas Street, was broken into and what can safely be described as the assets of the organisation were stolen. Chairman of the Coalition, Ann Greaves, said that it is hurtful
and shocking because the small organisation survives on Government subvention and losing its main computers is just painful.

“The two systems have a lot of confidential information and even though there are passwords, you know there are people who can hack systems or simple clean them out,” she said.

The police were called to the scene on Monday and the office was dusted for fingerprints. They were also provided with other information and special markings about the systems, which can aid in easily identifying them.

“We have to start all over. We have no idea where the new system will be coming from and if there is anyone or an organisation out there who can sponsor us a new system; that will be so grateful. We have to continue our work and a computer is very important,” she said, while pointing out the thieves did not take a brand new scanner that was attached to the system.

This is the first time the office has been broken into since its more than 20 years of functioning.

Greaves said that the stolen systems have put a damper on its plans to observe April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.

The Coalition is a collection of both Government and non-governmental organisations, which lobby and advocate for the rights of children using the Convention on the Rights of the Child as its guiding tool.

In recent times, its membership has called for a policy that will provide for establishing a sex offenders registry for all persons who are charged and convicted of an sexual offence.