Sav mayor blames mothers for rise in violence, child sexual abuse
Published:Saturday | November 19, 2022 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Bertel Moore has laid the acts of violence and child sexual abuse at the feet of some mothers, whom he claims facilitate physical and sexual abuse of children in exchange for financial gains.
Moore made that declaration on Friday while addressing the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA)-led ‘Stop the Silence, End the Violence’ children’s march and remembrance rally in the Westmoreland capital.
The march was supported by several students from institutions in Savanna-la-Mar, members of the Peace Management Initiative, the Westmoreland Neighbourhood Watch Council, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the police and members of The Manning’s School unit of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force.
The participants marched from the Savanna-la-Mar market and continued along Great George Street before ending at Independence Park with a remembrance rally.
“One of the things that bothers me is to know that we have some mothers who know when these things happen and yet [they remain silent]. To be honest, I have to say it is because of the few dollars that they are keeping silent,” said Moore.
Data from the CPFSA showed that in western Jamaica, the agency is currently handling more than 330 cases of various forms of abuse. Among them are 45 sexual abuse cases, 57 physical abuse matters, 89 cases of behavioural issues, and 20 cases of emotional abuse. There are also 62 cases of neglect, 53 instances of children needing care and protection, three missing, and five matters of child labour.
In light of the data, Moore called for an end to the abuse of children in Westmoreland and other parishes in the region and, by extension, the entire island.
“Mothers, I say this to you today: it is time for you to speak up, it’s time for us all that whatever we know, we must inform the authorities,” the mayor pleaded, arguing that the country cannot keep having these incidents of abuse happening to our children.
“Our children are the future of this country and we must ensure that at all cost, we protect our children,” Moore noted.
Speaking at the same function, Westmoreland Custos Bishop Hartley Perrin says the issues of abuse committed against children must be tackled in the protective space of the home environment.
“If we can’t stop the violence and abuse of children within the homes, especially here in Westmoreland, we will not be able to stop it in the streets,” stated Perrin.