Save our precious girls

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published May 20 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

When we consider to heights which our precious Jamaican girls can reach, we mourn Jamaica’s loss with the parents of Shantae Skyers, Trisha Morris and Stefika Smith. Five days after seven-year old Shantae was reported missing, her body was found on April 16 in Sterling Castle Heights, Red Hills. On April 30, the body of 11-year-old Trisha Morris was found in her community of Woodland, Hanover and on May 13, the body of 17-year-old Stefika Smith was found in Four Paths, Clarendon.

On Saturday evening, CVM news carried a report of the attempted abduction of a schoolgirl in central Jamaica. Her mother said the child was lured to a car by a woman offering her a gift. As she looked in the car, she saw a man with a knife and ran screaming for her life. Her mother says the child is traumatized. 

Dr Mearle Barrett, President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of St. Andrew (BPW St. Andrew) has expressed “alarm and concern at the recent spate of abuse and killings of young children, in particular, young girls … We call upon the authorities to vigorously investigate each incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. In addition, the need for more attention to be paid to the support services required to improve the family structure and parenting skills, must be recognized.”

The parents of Stefika Smith led a march in Clarendon last Friday, demanding greater protection for our children.  We must respond to the anguished cry of Stefika’s mother and the many heartbroken parents throughout Jamaica - our children must be saved from these heartless criminals.