Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says Government will be increasing its zero tolerance approach to the abuse of children and that steps will be taken to ensure that persons who abuse children or know of cases of abuse but fail to report them are brought to justice. Mrs. Simpson Miller said Wednesday that attention would also be given to matters concerning fathers who do not support their children.

She was speaking at the official opening of the Goodwin Park Hostel for Youth, which is a joint project between the Rotary Club of St. Andrew and the Possibility Programme in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said the number of children living on the street was a telling reminder of the need for proper parenting. She said parents needed greater support and encouragement to enable them to be more responsible parents. She said the values and attitudes programme as well as the activities of services clubs like Rotary, could help to instill good family values and responsible parenting skills within the society.

An important achievement

The Prime Minister said the hostel for boys was an important achievement of the partnership between the Possibility Programme and the Rotary Club of St. Andrew. She said the construction of the facility was an example of what could be achieved with a partnership approach to development.

She added that the new hostel was a symbol of hope for children who face danger on the streets. Thirty-two boys, several of whom are participants in the Possibility Programme, will be accommodated at the hostel. Plans are already being considered for an expansion of the facility.