KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May 9 in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

HTCC is also calling for a range of urgent actions to protect children, as well as stronger laws and law enforcement to deter wrongdoers and keep children safe.

While offering his organisation’s heartfelt condolences to young Kelsey’s family, HTCC Director educator Nigel Cooper declares, “These atrocities have taken on unimaginable decadence. Unless effective action is taken by the relevant authorities, this could continue to be a serious attack on Jamaica’s children”.

Cooper added that, “While it is good that the Minister of National Security is offering a sizeable reward ($2 million) to help capture the murderer, we need well-designed programmes and projects, as well as better laws so that the potential criminal would not think of committing such crimes”.

HTCC spokesperson, attorney-at-law Priscilla Duhaney is deeply disturbed by what she describes as the society’s desensitisation to violence against children.

“Our ears have become deaf and we have demonstrated a loss of our voice and passion to protect our children at all cost. Horrific crimes against children continue to occur, including sexual abuse, physical harm, emotional trauma, and even murder. These atrocities demand our attention and action. Our collective response has been inadequate, and we’ve failed to protect our children with the passion and urgency required,” Duhaney said.

She is urging the Government, parents, teachers, churches, and all stakeholders to join forces against violence toward children.

Said Duhaney,“We must utilise our resources and speak out loudly against these injustices that affect our children’s peace and safety. Our future is at risk, and we’ve been silent for far too long. We can’t ignore the erosion of our morals and values or the failure of our systems to protect our children”.

“As we celebrate Child Month, we’re reminded of the stark contrast between our ideals and the harsh reality. The system is failing our children miserably and we can no longer be a fly on the wall,” Duhaney continued.