Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), while still basking in the success of our children at the 38th JTA Sagicor National Primary School Athletic Championships on June 9 and 10, is equally distraught by the news of the passing of an eight-year-old student who attended the Braeton Primary and Infant School.

Danielle Rowe was abducted from her school in Portmore, St Catherine, and later found with her throat slashed in Vineyard Town, St Andrew, on Thursday, June 8. The teachers of this nation condemn this gruesome act and the growing onslaught on the nation’s future, our students.

We have found ourselves at a new level of depravity by now turning on our young. God will hold us accountable for the stewardship of the children he has given to us for but a season.

As a nation we must repent and recommit to the care and protection of the young and most vulnerable amongst us.

Perpetrators of these heinous acts against our children should be pursued, investigated thoroughly, and the warranted penalties applied. Justice and truth be ours forever.

Teachers are encouraged to remain vigilant and schools are asked to review annually and improve their safety and security protocols.

The Government of Jamaica, however, must address the deficits through adequate funding if we are to arrive at an education system with safe environments that truly protect our children. Ultimately, it is the state of crime in the nation that is the root of the problem. At the heart of that problem is the state of each citizen’s heart.

This association renews its request for a day of prayer for the nation’s children in light of some 13 deaths reported from the start of this year.

Our sincere condolence to the immediate and school families of little Danielle Rowe and all other families grieving the brutal slaying of their children.

May their souls rest in peace.

Jamaica Teachers’ Association

President

La Sonja Harrison