BLAINE
THE HEAR the Children's Cry Committee has launched an islandwide mobilisation initiative for the protection of children, and is urging all parent-teacher associations (PTA) and church boards to call emergency meetings to brain storm strategies for ensuring the welfare of children.
This move follows the brutal and gruesome murders of a St. Thomas family, including three children. The bodies of the five were discovered on Sunday morning.
Committee convener, Mrs. Betty Ann Blaine, said: "We are calling on every single PTA and church board in Jamaica to call emergency meetings, to put together tangible suggestions about how we can protect our children in this country.
The Hear the Children's Cry Committee is even now working on a plan to bring all these organisations together with their suggestions, to form a national plan, and to mobilise ourselves to implement these measures.
MURDERS
"These terrible murders over the past weekend, and the continually increasing violence against our children, represent an intolerable situation that demands urgent action from every parent, from everyone involved with children, and from every citizen. Our committee has already begun mobilising groups in several parishes, and we are calling on others to join us."
Mrs. Blaine pointed out that horrific levels of crime can often be met with apathy, because people are unable to face the reality of the situation, because they feel "it couldn't happen to them," or because they point to specific causes for the atrocities, such as the illegal drug trade and the brutal violence associated with it.
CONCERN
However, she warned, "When crime is out of control the way it is in Jamaica, it doesn't matter what the cause is!
"We all have to be concerned, we must recognised that we can do something about it, and we need to get together, plan effectively, and take concerted action.
"We have to look after the welfare of our children."
Here's how you can help
Those who wish to take action can reach Hear the Children Cry at 924-5323 between 9:00 a. m. and 5.00 p.m., or at 462-0628.
The Hear the Children's Cry Committee is an umbrella group of organisations working for the welfare of children.
Those wishing to contact the group may call 462-0628 or email bab2609@yahoo.com.
