During the period of November 2008 to October 2009, 110 children died in tragic circumstances. This number included 88 boys and 22 girls. Other statistics show that up to September this year, 1,206 children had been reported missing. Of that figure, 676 have returned home, while three have died.
Alison Anderson, chief executive officer of the Child Development Agency (CDA), which put on the vigil, said that analysis of the disturbing number revealed that many of the victims died while in conflict.
"A number of these children were themselves perpetrators of violence, and the question we ask is, why would we include this group of children in our remembrance this afternoon?" said Anderson.
victims of abuse, neglect
According to the CDA executive, these children were also victims because "children are not born violent, and I am sure if we go into their background, we will find that many perpetrators of violence have been victims of abuse, neglect and poor parenting practices", she said, pointing out that the revelation was "a serious indictment on all of us".
Fiona Alexander, a parent of three, believes that people from every walk of life should look out for children, whether they know them or not.
The parent says not being the physical parent does not absolve anyone of blame.
Alexander also added that parents needed to be more attentive to the needs of their children.
Another parent said parenting classes should be mandatory and implemented by the Government. He said at present, some cases of abuse occurred because of the poor economy and people being unable to cope.
He believes education and employment can battle the problems.
Renda Blair, a Trinidadian, called for the training of parents and caregivers.
"We need more trained care-givers, because sometimes it is a lack of knowledge by caregivers. Parents themselves need to be trained what to look out for," she said.
She also believes that the work-day should be changed to give parents an extra hour with their children.