#BTFocus – Children are off limits . . . Haigh warns cyber bullying is punishable by law

As public outcry continues over the cyberbullying of Keishawn Thomas, one prominent communications specialist has condemned the actions of the perpetrators and reminded them that there are criminal charges associated with it. The eleven-year-old student who wrote the Common Entrance Examination, made a mistake in an interview with Barbados TODAY. Although he corrected himself, that interview has been re-edited to highlight the mistake and ridicule it.

Chief Executive Officer of Haigh Communications, Joy Ann Haigh, stated, “As a communications specialist, I just want to publicly condemn the actions of the individual and/or individuals. First of all, children are off limits! I know people share things on social media that are unnecessary and in many cases this is among adults, but that still isn’t right. However, children are off limits. I don’t want to see that happen again.

“It is sad that Barbados TODAY would have gone out to report on children and their progress and someone edited it to shame the child. This is unacceptable, lower than anything I have seen in a long time.”

Haigh continued, “I am appealing to Barbadians, if you know who is responsible for this, let us see who they are, publicise them. There is a Computer Misuse Act; there is cyber bullying; it is illegal, and anyone doing this can be charged and prosecuted.”

Her comments came as she made a presentation to Keishawn on behalf of Yankee Garments, which has agreed to supply him with school uniforms for a full year regardless of the school for which he passes.

Meanwhile, she praised Keishawn for how he handled himself during the interview, saying, “Let me commend you, young man for an excellent interview; not everyone can do television and you rolled it off like a star, so I wanted to be here to condemn the actions of the individuals who did that to you, and those who shared and thought it was a joke.

“I want you to know that only people who are unhappy and upset with themselves do stuff like that. So realistically, they are doing you a favour. They have only brought you to the public; everyone is now praising you and supporting you. This will help you become stronger and build your character, and from what I can see, God has great plans for you.” (DH)