JHTA commits to fighting exploitation of children, urges citizens to do same

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

In recognising the negative impact that exploitation in all its forms can have on Jamaica's image, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is urging citizens to take a zero tolerance approach to the problem, especially exploitation of children.

JHTA President Omar Robinson said last year the group demonstrated its commitment to protecting the nation’s children from abuse with a donation of $1 million to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA).

In furtherance of this commitment, he said a similar donation will be made this year, as the problem of exploitation in any form will erode and undermine Jamaica’s image and that of the country’s tourism product.

“With that we’re looking to partner with agencies such as CISOCA and the Trafficking in Persons Unit, which are intent on targeting those who exploit our children, and helping the wider population recognise exploitation and understand how to report it. We urge all Jamaicans to take a zero tolerance approach to child abuse in all forms,” Robinson said.

Jamaica has battled with the problem of child abuse for years. Between January and July of last year 598 cases of child abuse were reported to CISOCA, with more than half the amount involving sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age.