Dear Editor,

With so many children’s advocacy groups in Jamaica and so many churches, one would assume that we have some control over the disappearance of our children. Since the launch of Ananda Alert, however, the case of missing children has apparently got worse.

Now that school is on summer holidays, it is alarming to note how idle our children are. Instead of implementing wholesome social programmes, we sit in offices shuffling papers and talking nonsense while another child goes missing or is drawn into an unhealthy relationship. Where are the programmes to feed these young minds on the future of production and development?

Many children leave their homes of their own free will because of poor family relationships. Jamaica needs a forum that will be constant, a forum that will re-educate the public on the laws that govern the protection of children in the homes, on the streets, in places of safety and in schools.

There has to be a medium highlighted that involves the agencies which are set up for the implementation of the Child Care and Protection Act. Jamaica doesn’t need another children’s advocate. It needs action. On two occasions, I have written letters to one member of an advocacy group and to a former minister of youth and culture. I have proposed a fun day to involve people from various government agencies to participate and to bring to light the various laws and policies surrounding child abuse. I have also informed the Child Development Agency of this venture.

Kadron Gregory

sunrisegreg@yahoo.com