The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), has expressed deep sadness over the passing of eight-year-old Danielle Rowe, who was abducted from her St Catherine school on Thursday and thrown from a motor vehicle with her throat slashed in Vineyard Town, St Andrew.

Danielle succumbed to her injuries on Saturday while at the Bustamante Children’s hospital for treatment.

READ: 8-y-o who was abducted, throat slashed has died

Commenting on the incident, CPFSA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michelle McIntosh Harvey condemned those responsible for her death and other heinous acts against the nation’s children.

“CPFSA holds our mandate to protect the nation’s children in highest regard and in so doing we continuously make appeals to the community to do their part in being more vigilant in protecting Jamaica’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The onus is on us as a people to stand up for the rights and protection of our children,” McIntosh Harvey said.

“We condemn all persons who make it their mission to harm our children – especially in such a brutal and heartless manner, and we also call on the community to return to the days of the village protecting and nurturing our children. If you see a child in danger of being harmed, say something, do something,” she added.

McIntosh Harvey in her statement on Saturday, also urged people who may have information on the perpetrators involved in the abduction and murder of Danielle Rowe to come forward.

“And we are especially calling on persons who may know something about the person who killed innocent little Danielle to come forward and work with the police, tell them what you know so that we can bring the perpetrators to justice,” she continued.

The acting CEO went on to offer support from the CPFSA to the grieving family of the deceased eight-year-old, while offering condolences on behalf of the agency.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Danielle’s family at this heartrending time and pray for their sustained strength. The CPFSA stands ready to offer whatever support is needed at this time. We also want to take the opportunity to thank the medical team who fought so valiantly to save little Danielle’s life,” McIntosh Harvey added.

Micntosh Harvey reiterated her call to all citizens to see child protection as their business, and reminded them that children are vulnerable and depend on us to love, protect, and nurture them.

She sought to remind and encourage individuals to report any form of child abuse using 211, our 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline.

Child abuse reports may also be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or visit any CPFSA parish office or our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.