A sombre lull seemed to blanket the city of Kingston on Sunday evening as a moment of silence was observed by people who gathered at the annual Child Month candlelight vigil to revere the lives of children lost to violent or tragic circumstances.

Among those who convened at the Secret Gardens ‘Save Our Children’ crying monument in the centre of downtown Kingston to honour the fallen youth was Kim Mitchell, a mother who could not contain her tears during the proceedings.

She had lost her son, Adjanie Walker, on June 8, 2024, after he was fatally stabbed in the neck at 15 years old.

Mitchell, who kept a strong demeanour for most of the programme, said that the evening’s significance weighed heavily on her. It was the laying of a wreath on the monument in memory of her son, that ultimately broke her resolve.

Furthermore, working as a compliance officer at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the entity responsible for the staging of the vigil yearly, Mitchell told the Jamaica Observer that this time of month is never easy for her.

“I’m telling you, I always feel down, especially when it comes to this time and we have to talk about it. It make mi heart feel a way, but I just try to stay strong as best as I can,” said Mitchell, explaining that she was constantly confronted by the memory of her son.

She recalled the moment she heard her son yell “Him stab me!” from inside her home, after which he was rushed to hospital. It was later relayed to her that a confrontation had ensued among a group of youth who were playing football, which eventually led to the fatal stabbing.

Having seen the effects of untamed anger, Mitchell told the Observer that she wanted people to not be driven by rage, but to instead think clearly and calmly in moments that could escalate to the detriment of those involved.

“I have to say to a person who may be finding themselves in that position, you have to just try and stay strong and focused because if you get angry, you’re going to do things that you never really want to do. So at the time, it’s better you don’t get angry, but stay calm and deal with your situation and just ask God to deal with the rest,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby expressed deep condolence for the young lives lost, noting that their memory should be honoured and cherished.

“Tonight, as the candlelight flickers, let it represent more than remembrance. Let it symbolise a commitment, a collective promise, that we will protect our children, nurture their minds, and safeguard their futures,” said Swaby.

For the period of May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, 16 children were murdered, which is a statistic that the mayor said required stronger support to eradicate.

Swaby charged that it was the responsibility of every Jamaican to ensure that children felt safe to grow and thrive, as he pledged his support to the families who carried the grief of their loved ones who were taken from them much too soon.

“To the families who grieve, we extend our deepest condolence. Your pain is seen, your loss is felt, and your loved ones will never be forgotten. As a city, we mourn with you. As a people, we stand beside you. Let this moment not end when the candles burn out. Let it live on, in our policies, in our actions, and in our daily interactions with the children entrusted to our care,” he said.

Kim Mitchell pauses after placing a floral tribute at the monument, in memory of her son Adjanie Walker who died in 2024. (Photo: KSAMC)

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby rests a ceremonial wreath atop the Secret Gardens monument located in the centre of downtown Kingston, on Sunday. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)