Daley calls for greater protection of Jamaica’s children after Trelawny tragedy
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, Denise Daley, said she is deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic death of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny and is calling for renewed urgency in protecting Jamaica’s children from violence and abuse.
Shani’s body was found with her throat slashed on Tuesday.
In a statement on Thursday, Daley said the heartbreaking loss serves as a painful reminder that safeguarding children must remain a national priority.
“This tragedy has shaken all of us. I extend my deepest condolences to Shani’s family, loved ones, classmates and the wider Trelawny community as they grieve the unimaginable loss of a precious young life. No family should ever have to endure such heartbreak, and no child should have their future stolen in such a horrific way,” she said.
The Opposition spokesperson said that while the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues its investigations, the tragedy must compel the country to strengthen its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that those who are vulnerable receive the care, support and protection they deserve.
“Every child has the right to grow up in an environment where they feel safe, protected and loved. This moment calls on all of us— parents, families, educators, community leaders, faith-based organisations and the state— to remain vigilant and to work together to build stronger systems that protect our children from violence and abuse,” Daley said.
She urged Jamaicans to allow the investigative process to proceed without interference while honouring Shani’s memory through a collective commitment to safeguarding the nation’s children.
“As we grieve this heartbreaking loss, let us also recommit ourselves to creating a Jamaica where every child is valued, every child is protected and every child has the opportunity to grow up in safety and dignity. That is the responsibility we all share.”
Daley urged every Jamaican to play their part in creating safer communities for children, stressing that protecting the nation’s youngest citizens is a shared responsibility that demands vigilance, compassion and action.
