Police Youth Club Council condemns violence against children
Published:Tuesday | October 30, 2018 | 12:00 AMPaul Clarke/Gleaner Writer
President of the National Police Youth Club Council (NPYCC) Adriel Grant has said a coordinated effort is needed to stem the murder and abuse of children, while urging a return to the days when a village raises a child.
"The NPYCC unreservedly condemns the killings and attacks against our nation's children. As a youth organisation we are saying, enough is enough; we are ready to assist the Government and civil-society groups to find workable solutions to stem the gruesome attacks on children in this country," stated Grant.
He said there exists a need for families, neighbours, friends, co-workers and all law-abiding citizens to speak out against the atrocities being levelled against the innocent ones of Jamaica.
"It is time to speak up; let our voices be heard. Let's express our disgust at the violent attacks on our children. Let us eradicate this threat and continue to mould the lives of our children in being productive members of society," appealed Grant.
He noted that the NPYCC is concerned about the spate of attacks against children, resulting in many of them being mutilated and killed.
Since the start of the year, more than 30 children have been murdered, the latest being 14-year-old Raven Wilson, whose mutilated body was found on Sunday, October 21 by residents of Top Road in St Ann where she lived.
In addition, he said the organisation is equally concerned by the alarming number of children being reported missing.
"The level at which our most vulnerable and the future of our nation is being attacked and robbed of their childhood is alarming. It was just recently that the nation said goodbye to 14- year-old Yetanya Francis and nine-year-old Kadijah. It's upsetting that as a nation we are failing to protect our most precious treasures, our children.
"At the same time, we are appealing to residents not to take the law into their own hands, but instead provide information to assist the police in their investigations so that justice will prevail," he said.
Grant noted that the frequent attacks highlight the danger that children are exposed to on a daily basis. He said in response, there is a need for greater emphasis to be placed on creating safe spaces for our children.