OCR urges citizens to safeguard children after toddler’s death

The Office of the Children’s Registry, OCR, is concerned about news which emerged in the media this morning surrounding the death on the weekend of twenty-three month old Jaydeen Myers from Grosmond District in St. Elizabeth.

It has been reported in the media that that “the mother of the toddler said she was preparing to give her daughter a bath, but got distracted with other children. During that time, the toddler went missing and was unaccounted for from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Another family member went in search of food in a barrel where food and other items are kept. While searching through the barrel, a foot was felt and, after moving some clothes, the naked body of the child was found face down in the container. An alarm was raised and the child was rushed to the Black River Hospital where the death was confirmed.”

The OCR finds this story troubling and is urging anyone with information relating to this case to share that with the Police. Although mindful of the fact that the family may be mourning at this time, Registrar at the OCR, Mr. Greig Smith, wishes to urge parents and caregivers to ensure adequate supervision of every child in their care and all times.

Members of the public are also being reminded to report all cases of known or suspected missing of abused children to the Registry. Persons may do so by calling: Toll free-1-888- PROTECT (7768328), LIME-9082132, 822-7031, 754-9133; DIGICEL-618-5888, 878-2882; FLOW-631-8933, 631-8908. All reports received are kept confidential and you do not have to give your name when making a report.