Dear Editor,

With each passing week several children go missing across our beloved island, Jamaica. This should be everyone’s business. How can one sit comfortably under these horrific circumstances? It is a national crisis!

With each news report made, someone saw something. However, many Jamaicans hesitate to report abuse due to fear of retaliation or lack of faith in receiving swift justice. Likewise, as a people we like to say, “I am minding my own business.” As a nation, it takes collective action, as is consistently opined in editorials. We never know when a similar situation will come knocking at our doors. Therefore, it should be in our best interest to help find a missing child, whether by reposting a picture, sharing any useful information with the authorities, or simply offering support to the affected families. Nevertheless, while the call to action is urgent and heartfelt, I believe addressing this crisis requires a broader, multi-dimensional approach.

A recent case is that of 12-year-old Jayden Smith. This child has been missing for over seven weeks. There have been several stories across social media platforms, and it was even reported during week one of his disappearance that he was seen, but he ran away. With the passage of Hurricane Melissa, search efforts have decreased as the attention is now centred on people and areas severely affected by the Category 5 storm.

I am a mother, and I can’t fathom the thought of my child being missing for almost two months. My heart bleeds! Where are our children? The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) reported that 151 children who went missing between January and December last year have still not been found. And these are just confirmed reported cases. One can imagine that there are a number of other children missing who have not been reported.

In a news report one of Smith’s aunts shared that he is a brilliant student, but doesn’t like to smile. Therefore, he is always looking sad. Could he have been bottling his feelings for years? It is alleged that Smith had no cellphone. Could he have been helped if he had one? I recommend educating children on the importance of personal safety and the danger of human traffickers. This can empower them to protect themselves. Yearly, there is a particular percentage of children who never return, or are never found. It is traumatic when a child goes missing for several days, but it is more traumatic when they are gone without a trace. Schools, churches, and local organisations must collaborate to create awareness programmes that reach children and their guardians effectively.

I commend the citizens who have been looking out for our nation’s children. However, I encourage everyone to make it their business. I strongly urge our citizens to be vigilant, as it takes a village to save our children. The increasing number of missing children in Jamaica is a complex problem requiring a holistic approach. Under those circumstances addressing social vulnerabilities, enhancing law enforcement capabilities, fostering community education, and leveraging technology are all essential steps. Through organised efforts we can hope to safeguard our children’s futures and restore peace of mind to families.

The culture of silence must be dismantled.

Charlesha Baker-McCloud

bakercharlesha@yahoo.com