Holness endorses National Day of Mourning

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says it's important that Jamaicans send a strong signal to lawmakers that murderous attacks on the nation's children should be met with strongest possible response.

"We must send the collective message to the lawmakers that the laws must reflect our social conscience on this issue, that we must draw the line and send a strong signal that these acts must have laws that are strong deterrents. If the perpetrators are not deterred, then the penalties must be as severe as the act that they have committed," the prime minister said.

Holness was speaking yesterday at a ceremony at King's House where Governor General Sir Patrick Allen proclaimed tomorrow, June 23, to be observed as a National Day of Mourning for Jamaica's children who have been victims of violence and abuse.

According to data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, just over 1,800 Jamaican children were victims of various crimes in 2022. Of that number, 53 were murdered; 465 were victims of sexual offences; there were 371 cases of sexual intercourse with a person under 16; 224 were raped; 281 were assaulted; and 71 were victims of shooting.

The proclamation of Friday as a national day of mourning comes as Jamaicans continue to grieve the death of Danielle Rowe, who was attacked on June 8 and later succumbed at hospital to injuries sustained.

One year ago, Kemesha Wright, 31, and her four children Kimanda Smith, 15, Shara-Lee Smith, 12, Rafaella Smith, five, and 23-month-old Keshawn Henry were murdered in their house by a relative, Rushane Barnett, in Cocoa Piece, Clarendon.

Barnett has been ordered to serve 61 years and eight months in prison before he becomes eligible for parole.