Children’s Registry says child abuse cases “unsettling”

KINGSTON — Approximately 2,200 child abuse cases have been reported to the Office of the Children's Registry since the start of the year.

Public Relations and Communications Manager at the Child Development Agency (CDA), Rashida St. Juste, said that even though the amount signals that persons are now more aware that they have a responsibility to report these cases, it is still "very unsettling."

Bringing greetings on Friday May 6, at the launch of Workers’ Week and Labour Day 2011, at the Devonshire, Devon House Heritage, Hope Road, Kingston,

Mrs. St. Juste said that violence is high on the list of threats to children’s safety and well being."

This year’s Labour Day will focus on our children under the theme: ‘It Takes a Village to Raise a Child,’ a Yoruba proverb meaning that the responsibility of raising a child also lies with the extended family and the community. 

Mrs. St. Juste said that young people face many dangers, and mentioned the recent spate of suicides involving children.

“More children are resorting to suicide and at every level of the society we must provide an effective response, as a matter of urgency. Every community, every village and the nation, as a whole, will need to take responsibility and be accountable for our children,” she added.

Referring to the 2011 Labour Day theme, Mrs. St. Juste said that the CDA was pleased that the focus is again on children, and supported the call for everyone to get involved in projects that would be of direct benefit to children.

“We are pleased with the continuity of the theme because, if we are intent on impacting our children, in a meaningful, way then sustainability is key,” she added.

According to Mrs. St Juste, the raising of children must be a communal effort.

“Parents or guardians alone cannot do it. Children’s home cannot do it without community support,” she pointed out.

She said the Child Development Agency has always emphasised the value of volunteerism, noting that the agency depends heavily on the goodness of service organisations, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals.

“With everyone joining in a collective effort, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our children. No child should ever have to feel like nobody’s child. Let us make Labour Day a great success, by showing the children we care, in a practical way, and keep on caring every day of the year,” she said.

By E. HARTMAN RECKORD, JIS Reporter