Trending in Jamaica News: The Mayor of Sav blames mothers for the increase in child abuse in Western Jamaica
The Mayor of Savanna-La- Mar, Bertel Moore, blames mothers for the exponential rise in physical and sexual abuse of children. According to the Mayor, many mothers turn a blind eye and close their lips to the abuse in exchange for financial gains.
The Mayor made the shocking claim on Friday, November 18, 2022, while addressing the ‘Stop the Silence, End the Violence’ children’s march and remembrance rally in Wesmoreland’s capital. The rally was sponsored by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency.
The rally was well supported. Several students from institutions in Sav participated. Plus, members of the peace Management Initiative, the Westmoreland Neighborhood Watch Council, the Jamaica Firebrigade, the police, and the Manning’s School unit of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force.
The well organised march began at the Savanna-La -Mar market and ended in Independence park with a remembrance rally.
In his rant, the Mayor said it bothers him to know that some mothers encourage the abuse against their young girls.
“One thing that bothers me is that we have some mothers who know when these things happen, yet [they remain silent]. To be honest, I have to say it is because of the few dollars they are keeping silent,” said Moore.
Bertel Moore
According to CPFSA Data, the agency handles approximately 330 cases of abuse in western Jamaica.
- 45 sexual abuse cases
- 57 physical abuse matters
- 89 behavioural issues
- 20 emotional abuse
- 62 cases of child neglect
- 3 missing
- 5 instances of child labour
- 53 cases of children needing care and protection
The Mayor ended his speech pleading to mothers:
“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 these abuse incidents happening to our children.
Bertel Moore
“Our children are the future of this country, and we must ensure that we protect our children at all cost,” Moore noted.