ST JAMES, Jamaica - Over twenty children were reportedly taken from the Bayith Yahweh religious compound in Paradise Gardens, St James on Wednesday morning during an operation carried out by the police and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

According to Commanding Officer for the Area One police, Assistant Commissioner Clifford Chambers, the children were removed from the premises under suspicions of neglect and child abuse.

READ: Police conducting operation at Bayith Yahweh religious compound in St James

Chambers told the OBSERVER ONLINE that both lawmen and the CPFSA believe that the children are also not being formally educated.

“This is coming out of intelligence and information provided that the children are being deprived of formal education from institutions that are properly registered. They are also not being immunised as required by law. They are also being housed in a communal living that is not conducive to the wellbeing of children,” ACP Chambers explained.

Located on Albion Road, Bayith Yahweh describes itself as a religious group. However, there have been many concerns about its practices over the last five years.

ACP Chambers went on to state that the children are currently being processed by representatives of CPFSA and are expected to be brought before the court soon.

Additionally, he said that 15 adults were also taken in by the police and are being questioned in relation to these claims.

– Rochelle Clayton