KINGSTON, Jamaica —Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, Disabilities and Inclusion, Denise Daley, has expressed “deep sorrow and outrage”, in the wake of the killing of a nine-year-old girl in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Daley has described the incident as “a heartbreaking reminder of how far we have to go to protect our children.”

“This is a devastating and deeply disturbing incident that has shaken our nation to its core,” said Daley. “The brutal murder of an innocent child is an affront to our collective humanity and underscores the urgent need for us, as individuals, families, communities and a nation, to take the safety of our children seriously.”

As the country observes Child Month, Daley said the tragedy is a call to action for Jamaicans to move beyond sorrow and into vigilance and care. “May is Child Month, a time meant to celebrate the joy, innocence, and potential of our children. Instead, we are mourning another young life stolen. It cannot be business as usual,” she said.

“We must foster a culture where our children are nurtured, protected, and valued. That starts in our homes, schools, churches, and communities.,” she added.

Daley also underscored the importance of returning to core communal values that once shaped Jamaican society. “We have to reemphasize the village raising the child,” she stated.

She said, “Every adult has a role to play in keeping our children safe from the neighbour who checks in, to the teacher who listens, to the stranger who speaks up when something feels wrong. We must all be alert to signs of abuse and neglect and break the culture of silence that allows harm to go unnoticed”.

She is urging Jamaicans to be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and to break the culture of silence. “Too many of our children are hurting in silence. If we see something, we must say something. We can’t afford to turn a blind eye or wait until another child’s life is cut short to act,” said Daley.

She also offered condolences to Ferrigon’s family while urging Jamaicans to support one another through the grief.

“We owe it to her, and every child in this country, to ensure that their right to life, safety, and dignity is protected. Let this be the moment we say: never again. Let’s honour her life by making sure no other child has to die like this,” Daley said.

Read: 9-y-o girl murdered in Spanish Town; police name person of interest