Pictures of Missing Children on Electronic Billboards

Pictures of missing children and their contacts can be seen on electronic billboards placed at strategic locations across the island, as part of the Ananda Alert System.

Registrar of the Office of the Children’s Registry, Greig Smith, told JIS News that the system designed to ensure the speedy and safe recovery of a child in the unfortunate event that he or she is missing or abducted.

“We have taken the decision to ensure that children are recovered in the quickest possible time and so we have partnered with our service providers and agencies to have electronic billboards for children islandwide,” he said.

Mr. Smith  said the billboards, which have been carrying reports of missing children since September, are located in Half-Way Tree , New Kingston, Cross-Roads, Spanish Town, Montego Bay, Mandeville and St. Ann.

“We want to encourage you to take a look, because the child that you see on the billboard, you might be able to save him or her by calling the Office of the Children’s Registry at toll free: 1-888-PROTECT,” he said.

Mr. Smith said an evaluation of the venture will be done after three months to see “how effective those boards have been in recovering our children.”

Meanwhile, he said the OCR is currently in dialogue with a number of telecommunication service providers with a view to expanding the service.

“So, if you go into the tax office or a fast food restaurant you should be able to see photographs of missing children on video monitors or television, so you can call the OCR if you recognise a child or you can call the Police, so we can recover these children in the quickest possible time,” he added.

The Registrar also  commended the many stakeholders and service providers that have partnered with the agency. He mentioned a donor, who has created an Ananda Alert SMS Text Messaging service, to allow the agency to send text messages to students. The donor will also be contributing US$100.00 per month to fund the process.

Despite the support, Mr. Smith said the agency is still seeking assistance from corporate Jamaica.

“We are asking those who can help to come on board and let us see how best we can safely return these children home. I am willing to listen and to work with you, so that we can help our children,” he implored.

Individuals who wish to contribute can send an email through the OCR’s website, www.ocr.gov.jm  or call the agency’s head office at 908-1690, Mr. Smith added.