PM Pledges to Punish Child Abusers

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, today (May 19) vowed to do all in her power to ensure that persons, who abuse children, are punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“I will do everything to ensure that anyone who abuses a child pays the full penalty for it,” she pledged.

Mrs. Simpson Miller gave the commitment at a ‘Girls’ Day’ event at the Liberty Academy at the Priory in St. Andrew, where she again encouraged the nation’s children to speak out if they are being harmed in any way.

“If you feel someone is treating you in a way they should not, and if you think they are behaving inappropriately and suggestively with you or causing you any form of pain or discomfort, go straightaway to your parents and let them know. Tell your teachers, your guidance counsellor, pastor or principal and they will call the police,” she urged.

The Prime Minister told the children that they should not be afraid to speak out, even if the perpetrators are in their homes, including their parents. “No one has the right to abuse you; you are to be loved and cared for,” she said.

In the meantime, Mrs. Simpson Miller implored the girls to not allow anyone to get in the way of their development and success.

“You are the future. One of you little girls here might very well become the next Prime Minister of Jamaica, and anyone of you can rise to become Principal of Liberty (Academy). Anyone of you could become the scientist that will discover the cure for HIV/AIDs, and for cancer, heart disease and for diabetes…your possibilities are great,” she pointed out.

The Prime Minister further commended the school on the excellent behaviour of the students and for “producing young women of integrity, competence, grace and confidence.”

Liberty Academy is a private preparatory and high school, which enrols students aged three to 18 years.