Advocacy group brands Jamaica ‘anti-child’ society

Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) has described Jamaica as an “anti-child society”, warning that children are increasingly being exposed to violence, abuse and neglect in spaces where they should feel safest.

The child advocacy group made the declaration following the death of 10-year-old Troy Primary School student Shani Coke, whose body was discovered in Tyre District, Trelawny, on Tuesday.

HTCC directors Nigel Cooper and Priscilla Duhaney said the tragedy highlights what they believe is a growing national crisis requiring immediate intervention.

“We have become an ‘anti-child society’ in more ways than one. When it’s not rape or sexual assault, its murder or both – pretty much taking the innocence of our children and/or their lives. Our youngsters are at risk of violence at home, at risk in the public space, and at risk in school,” they said.

Cooper, a career educator, said Jamaica must urgently develop stronger systems to protect children in every environment they occupy.

“We need specific interventions for those issues within the physical residences; we must have another type of intervention for when children are in public spaces, and yet another, institution-related set, for when our youngsters are at school,” he said.

He said Jamaicans must demand decisive action from authorities while communities also take greater responsibility for protecting vulnerable children.

HTCC is also calling for greater vigilance from parents, residents and organisations, especially during the summer period when children may be more exposed to risks because of reduced supervision.

Duhaney urged adults to pay closer attention to the people and situations surrounding children, while encouraging churches and community groups to provide safe activities for young people.

“We are appealing to parents, community residents and society at large to be more vigilant, especially during the long summer periods when our children are more exposed to violence and crime due to a lack of supervision, and the quest for more engagement. The church should engage the children in their communities in summer programmes for their spiritual and social development,” she said.