Dear Editor,

The People’s National Party Youth Organization (PNPYO) stands resolute and deeply dismayed in the face of the relentless wave of senseless killings that continue to torment our beloved nation, disproportionately affecting our youth. These brutal acts are not just statistics; they are lives lost, dreams shattered, and futures stolen.

As an organization, we declare that enough is enough. We refuse to stand by silently as our youth fall victim to violence that knows no bounds. We are appalled, and we are angry.

The recent incident in Salt Spring, St James, serves as a stark and painful reminder of the urgent need for Jamaica to unite to rise and to take concrete action to protect our youth.

The loss of even one young life is an indescribable tragedy. But when this brutality becomes a daily reality, it’s a stain on our nation’s conscience.

The time has come for every Jamaicans to take a stand. We must demand justice, and we must demand change.

The PNPYO strongly believes that a balanced approach must be employed if we are to stem the tide of crime and violence. It is therefore imperative that we all work hand in hand with law enforcement, community leaders and organisations to create a safer environment for our children. We must foster an atmosphere of trust and open communication in which individuals feel safe reporting any concerns or suspicious activities. We must also prioritise education and programmes to address the root causes of violence and provide support to those at risk. We unequivocally reject violence in all forms and call for the greater protection of the nation’s children.

As we celebrate as we reflect on Youth Month, let us remember the young lives lost in this tragedy and commit to honouring their memory by taking proactive steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. The safety of our children should be our top priority and, as a country, we must unite to protect them from harm.

People’s National Party Youth Organization