Calls to protect children from abuse

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, is calling on all members of society to protect children and build communities of hope and inspiration around them that promote respect for life.

He made the appeal while addressing the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation's (KSAMC) Child Month ceremony at the Secret Gardens, downtown Kingston, on Sunday. The monument, which was erected in 2008, bears the names of children who have died under tragic and violent circumstances.

"As we reflect on the life of those who never had the opportunity to shine, let us try and ensure that no more names under tragic and violent circumstances are added to this monument," McKenzie implored.

"Let us become more responsible (for our children). Let us seek to protect the lives of our children and to build a sound and secure future for our young people because they are the leaders of tomorrow," he added.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Marsha Smith, called for an all-of-society approach to protecting the nation's youth.

"It is a call to secure the peace of Jamaica. We must therefore stand up for our children and keep them from harm. We must speak out for their welfare and their well-being. Let us protect the rights of our children because they are our Godly heritage. Even as we cherish the memory of those who we have lost, let us resolve to create a world where every child is protected, valued, and cherished," she said.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said that while there was a six per cent decline in child abuse reports last year, the numbers are still far too high, and more needs to be done to protect this vulnerable group.

"We must find solutions to this crisis. We need to lead a campaign to rescue our children from the criminal underworld and from those whose intention is to kill and destroy them," he said.

"We are appealing to civil society to collaborate with the Government to help us to find a way to implement initiatives geared toward rehabilitating our children who have been affected," he added.