KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green is calling for a renewed partnership with all Jamaicans to tackle the upsurge of violence against our children.

“This heartless scourge must come to an end. Far too often are we being forced to mourn the death of our children. As a society we must take a unified stand that anyone who harms or murders our children will find no peace, no solace, nowhere to hide. The protection and well-being of our children must be our number one job. It must become the principle priority of every single Jamaican,” Minister Green said.

The minister’s comments come on the heels of last night’s killing of a nine-month-old baby in Annotto Bay, St Mary, and the recent spate of violence that have seen two children killed and one injured in gun-related incidents in the last three weeks in downtown Kingston.

Minister Green also indicated that in all instances the CDA first responders have met with family members and children affected within 48 hrs of the incidents.

The Child Development Agency is now moving to schedule meetings with principals, guidance counselors, parents, members of Parliament, and police in Western Kingston to discuss the impact the upsurge in violence is having on both the attendance and emotional state of children at schools.

“We need to hear from those who are being affected and look at ways in which we can provide assistance. We must also advise parents and community members as to how they can further care (for) and protect their children,” minister added.

“The ministry is actively strengthening policy, legal and regulatory framework to ensure the protection of children from all forms of violence and exploitation, as well as strengthening of family and community capacities to address issues related to children and violence,” minister said.

Minister Green highlighted that the Bill to proceed with the amendment of the Child Care and Protect Act will be submitted to Cabinet so as to expedite its implementation, which will ensure that the perpetrators of these criminal acts towards children receive the full force of the law.

“The cries of our children will not go unnoticed,” he reiterated.