Protection of children should be top priority
THE EDITOR Madam:
This is an open letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
IWRITE to you with a heavy heart, echoing the sentiments of countless concerned citizens who are appalled by the recent incident described by the chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams-Thomas. The words she used to highlight the situation as “simply horrific” cannot be understated, and it is in this moment that our nation needs your leadership and decisive action.
The harrowing details of the incident underscore the urgent need for swift and comprehensive intervention. It is heart-wrenching to fathom the pain and fear that the innocent child in question must be enduring. As a society, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such atrocities against our most vulnerable members. The call for public cooperation in identifying the individuals involved is a crucial step, but we must go beyond and demand accountability at the highest levels.
Adams-Thomas rightly emphasised the necessity of an “all hands on deck” approach. The plea for collaboration from teachers, family members, church friends, and the entire community is a poignant reminder that the safety of our children is a collective responsibility. However, this collective effort must extend to our government, and we look to you, Prime Minister, to take decisive action.
A thorough and expedited investigation is paramount, and resources should be allocated to ensure that the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse has the necessary support to bring justice swiftly. We implore you to reinforce the commitment to protecting our children and allocate additional resources to agencies working tirelessly on the front lines.
Further, a clear message must be sent that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in our society. Strengthening laws and penalties related to child abuse is an essential step to deter potential offenders and ensure that justice prevails. As the leader of our nation, your advocacy for legislative changes will send a powerful signal that the protection of our children is a top priority.
Prime Minister, we understand the myriad challenges facing our nation, but the safety and wellbeing of our children cannot be compromised. We urge you to lead with compassion, urgency, and determination to bring swift justice to the innocent child affected by this horrifying incident.
The eyes of the nation are upon you, Prime Minister, as we collectively seek reassurance that the Government stands unwavering in its commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us. Time is of the essence, and we implore you to act decisively to ensure that justice is served and our children can grow up in a society that prioritises their safety and well-being.
JANIEL MCEWAN Youth Advocate