How can it be that another innocent child, 10-year-old Shani Coke, has lost her life, leaving her family traumatised by the gruesome circumstances.

The alleged perpetrator was a known troublemaker who had previously been in police custody. Families must be careful about being in denial when the facts are clear about a dangerous misfit in their midst. The situation became uglier as the accused man was killed by an angry mob, and after the arrest of an alleged “jungle justice” offender, there have been incidents of arson and roadblocks.

This is a warning to every parent and guardian: Watch your children, remove them from any potential danger. It is also a warning to community members to be vigilant, as we all have a responsibility to our young people. Further, we call on the authorities to publicise the names of known paedophiles who may be interacting with children online and in public spaces.

Almost every day there are notices from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on missing children. It is said that human trafficking worldwide is raking in more money than oil. Criminals are luring children away, after which they are never to be seen again.

I understand that bartenders in developed countries have been trained to prevent harm to young people, even having codes they can use to be rescued and covers for their drinks to prevent them being drugged. Our local liquor companies could get on board with this training.

What a minefield the Internet has become! Parents have sued owners of social media sites for bullying, which has caused their children to become suicidal. Australia has now enacted laws prohibiting children under 16 from using social media; France and England are now discussing similar legislation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to create embarrassing episodes, ascribing doctored words and images to innocent parties. Cybersecurity laws have to be constantly updated as technology outpaces those on the books.

The JCF alone cannot manage these threats. Government ministries, guidance counsellors, parent-teachers associations, churches, and civil society groups can take up these challenges to ensure our children receive optimum protection from harm.

Crash families mourn

We saw a moving report on the families left behind by the seven men who died in a car crash in Trelawny earlier this month. They were all working men, seemingly at the prime of their lives — in their 20s and 30s. Now seven families have lost breadwinners and may be plunged into poverty.

Then there are those who have suffered serious disabilities because of road crashes. Active young people have become bedridden and need close attention; others have lost limbs and have been consigned to wheelchairs for the rest of their lives.

While we complain about the conditions in our public hospitals, let us be aware that scheduled procedures have to be postponed to make way for crash victims who sometimes spend months in scarce hospital beds. There is a run on the blood bank because of these emergencies. Whatever it takes, let us work to reduce road fatalities and injuries, thus sparing families from want and relieving the pressure on our medical facilities.

Minister Grange delivers

Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who heads the super Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES), has been delivering on all fronts. She recently announced the redevelopment of our national stadium in partnership with the United Kingdom. An MCGES recent press release quoted her: “We are world leaders in track and field especially, and so we must have in place the infrastructure and resources that will ensure us perpetuity.”

It is time we take action to protect and prepare our children..

The three-year project should be completed by 2029 and will deliver seating for 37,500 patrons, 90 per cent roof coverage, tiered parking for 4,500 vehicles, including 1,000 VIP parking, upgraded health and safety standards, modern anti-doping and media facilities, a sports museum, and other VIP amenities.

It was Minister Grange who initiated the building of two shelters for victims of domestic abuse, and we can expect a third to be completed this year.

Under her ministry, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has been holding colourful and memorable events for the celebration of Emancipation and Independence. We are happy to hear that those not able to get entry to the Grand Gala will be issued tickets to watch the popular show in the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre. We applaud you, Minister Grange!

New Home for JSPCA

The Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) has finally been given a space on the Hope Gardens lands on Old Hope Road to relocate from its Winchester Road facilities. In a video posted on its Facebook page, Managing Director Pamela Neita-Lawson was seen with volunteers at the new location.

“We’re putting in some prefab containers for our interim facility and then after that we’re bringing up some of our original containers from down Winchester and then another set of interim ones will come in…we have to [be] getting in water supply, electricity supply because this land had nothing…It’s a work in progress — that’s the best I can say right now until I’m done and even when we move in it’s going to be continuous work in progress.” She acknowledged the assistance of Tankweld and Jamaica Premix. Valerie Juggan-Brown, Joey Brown, and other team members at Hope Zoo have also been very helpful. Neita-Lawson hopes that in two years the JSPCA will have a “full term, permanent facility with everything under one roof”.

Farewell, Sister Susan Frazer

Olivia Grange Naphtali Junior

Sr Susan Frazerl

This column has lauded the extraordinary achievements of Sister Susan Frazer, the area administrator for the Sisters of Mercy in Jamaica. We are saddened by the news of her death last Friday. Beginning at the Alpha boys and girls schools in Kingston, she was later assigned to the St John Bosco Boys’ Home in 1977, where she nurtured hundreds of boys. One of them, Newton Coote, is now a master chef who trains Bosco students in catering, qualifying them for positions at our leading hotels.

Sister Sue, as we fondly called her, made the St John Bosco Centre in Manchester financially sustainable by introducing farming and food processing, supplying resorts and the public with the meat products from the animals they raise. In 2024, Prime Minister Andrew Holness opened the new Sister Susan Fraser Educational Complex, where she partnered with HEART/NSTA Trust to provide training in various skills. Sister Sue was known for her dry sense of humour and her way of deflecting praise to others.

Sister Susan Frazer received wide recognition for her life-changing efforts. These include the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer from the Government of Jamaica; the Rotary Club of Mandeville’s Paul Harris Award; the Manchester Chamber of Commerce award for service to the community; and Mercy Action Fund honour.

The Mercy community and her friends are mourning a great lady whose life of service has given hope and meaning to the lives of many others. Deepest sympathy to the Sisters of Mercy, her loved ones, and many colleagues. Rest in eternal peace, my dear friend, Sister Sue.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV, and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.