KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deputy Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby says that while major crimes in Jamaica have been trending downwards, crimes against children have increased.

Swaby was speaking at the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) today, October 14.

According to Swaby, the Office of Children’s Registry reported that the number of child abuse cases in Jamaica totalled 11,018 in 2013, which represents a 26 per cent increase over a similar period in 2012. The report also stated that rape and other forms of sexual abuses are on the rise.

“This brings to the fore, the tragic circumstances under which 13-year-old Aliesha Brown of Muschett High School met her demise — her body was found after she was reported missing. Young Aliesha was raped and murdered,” said Swaby.

Jamaica recorded an 18 per cent reduction in murders for the period January 1 to September 24, according to police statistics.

A total of 714 murders were reported, compared to 871 for the same period last year.

Meanwhile in reference to an incident where two male students were attacked and stabbed on the compound of the Lacovia High School in St Elizabeth, in full view of other students, Swaby added that, “this is further evidence of the cold and callous nature of these perpetrators who prey on our young and defenceless children.”

“This kind of savage behaviour cannot be allowed to continue. We all need to play a more active role in protecting our children, and bringing those responsible for harming them to justice,” he urged.