Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Several hundred glow sticks illuminating the dark night stood as a blinding memory of the 289 children who have been violently killed in Jamaica over the last three years.

"Our children are hurting. They are dying and we need to do something about it," were the words of one mother. She was among several individuals who turned up at Emancipation Park in New Kingston on Monday night in support of the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

This mother's words became the common theme throughout the evening, with one official from the Child Development Agency (CDA) declaring that Jamaica was one of the few nations in the Caribbean that had such a high rate of sexual and violent crimes being committed against children.

"It seems that we have moved away from the core principle that God himself established that children are a blessing," said Alison Anderson, chief executive officer of the CDA. Ms. Anderson said it was only when this happens that it would become necessary for a nation to remind itself to protect its children.

Adult's duty

Under the 2004 Child Care and Protection Act, it is the duty of every adult to report every incident or suspicion that a child has been, is being, or is likely to be ill treated, abandoned, neglected or in the need of care and protection.

Ms. Anderson reminded those present that anyone engaged in the practice of abusing a child or is aware of a child being abused and remains silent will receive the full weight of the law.

Under the act, a person who has information of suspected or known child abuse, and fails to make a report is liable to a fine not exceeding $500,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com