KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby is calling for a unified national effort to protect Jamaica’s children, warning that many are silently battling trauma, fear and neglect, which can have tragic consequences if ignored.

Speaking on Sunday at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) Child’s Month candlelight vigil in downtown Kingston, Swaby highlighted what he described as the “silent battles” affecting young people across the country.

“Too many of our children are facing struggles with trauma, fear, neglect and emotional pain, and too often these unseen challenges end in devastating loss,” Swaby said.

The vigil, held at the Secret Garden, was part of Child’s Month activities under the theme “Prioritising Our Children’s Mental Health: Strong Minds, Safer Future”. Community members, grieving families and civic leaders gathered to honour children who lost their lives under tragic circumstances.

Participants lit candles, laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence.

Swaby said the event was more than a memorial, describing it as “a sacred pause” and a reminder that every child lost was “full of promise, possibility and purpose”.

He urged Jamaicans to reflect on whether enough is being done to support young people, stressing that protecting children is a shared responsibility involving families, educators, leaders and wider society.

“Let us symbolise a commitment, a collective promise, that we will protect our children, nurture their minds and safeguard their futures,” he said.

The mayor also called for stronger systems to tackle the root causes of harm to children, including violence and social pressures, and advocated for communities where every child feels safe and valued.

Extending condolences to grieving families, Swaby encouraged continued support for those affected and renewed collaboration to better safeguard children.

The ceremony ended with a quiet procession through the garden.