Wanted: A Drastic Plan like the Plastic Ban

Are we doing enough to protect our children?

Undoubtedly, there are provisions in place to protect our children. For example: The Child Care and Protection Act which was passed in 2004 with the objective of promoting the best interests, safety and well-being of children across Jamaica. 

However, one can contend that much more needs to be done. Especially seeing the spike in violence being perpetrated against the nation's children.

 Take a look at the recently imposed plastic ban of January 1, 2019. This ban came with a new sense of awareness across Jamaica. The state and citizens alike actively sought to adopt to the waves that came with it. On ventures to the supermarket, tote bags were being bought and sold. Businesses boomed in their production and customization of the new sensation. Talks about the change picked up momentum in public transportations, on the streets, in the news etc. That little move, was a big call and a huge save for the environment.

Now, what about the nation's children? There seems to be more talks of pity, disgust and fear whenever misfortunes of our children occur. While those are natural reactions and should not be shunned, they are simply, not enough. Such talks are not sustainable. Too often, a child is murdered, raped, missing or otherwise violated and we lament on different platforms about the gross indecency then recovering to do so again and again, and again...sometimes, no recovery for some.

Evidentially, there needs to be a drastic plan like the plastic ban. A plan that will have citizens and visitors actively engaged in the protection of our children. Our laws and provisions to protect need to have a "tote effect". This "tote effect" will be a sense of safety and sustainability. One that the nation's leaders will be passionate about. One that companies and entrepreneurs will want to brand themselves with. A "tote effect" that will erase the scandal of perpetrators against our children; rendering safety to the island's people, environment and future.

The big question is: What can be done and or improved to sustainably protect our children and ensure the earlier mentioned "tote effect"?

Jokingly, distribute bulks of tote bags with these prints in bold: Protect our Children. They will be carried around by many, replacing the 'scandals' while advertising a worthwhile message.

On a more serious note however, here are my tips to Lady Justice:

• Take the Ananda Alert of the snooze button...The child recovery strategy for missing children has been slowly evading the minds and mouths of many. Not many persons view it as an effective emergency button that you push when a child has gone missing. Rightly so if you ask me. This system of alerting the nation of a missing child should be more prominently discussed in the homes, schools and by our leaders. It also needs to be reassessed to include more hands on approaches for example: speedy trail searches, publication of photographs on social media, billboards, public spaces. Thorough questioning of guardians, friends, community members. The long and short of it is that the Ananda Alert's objectives and plans need to be reassessed for its strengths and weaknesses and actively discussed and made more efficient.

• Deploy police officers in school zones, bus parks, taxi stands...specifically during the hours when children are heading to and from school. This helps with warding off unlicensed transportation operators; it aids with more vigilance in such areas.

• Exercise strict sanctions for parents and guardians who neglect their children...Too often children are left to roam the streets or left unsupervised at home. As a result, a true account cannot be given regarding the whereabout, actions or company of the child. When this happens, in most cases, children are susceptible to predators who thrive when the child is neglected. 

• Minimize delays in serving justice...This is easier said than done and requires all hands on deck. Guilt on the part of the alleged perpetrator must be proved for same to be prosecuted. Many times we blame police officers and the court system for the delays. However, investigations are often slowed down by persons who are unwilling to give information. Bear in mind that urgency and every ounce of detail helps with justice and may save lives.

The duty of protecting our children lies with us all. Dismiss the urge to turn a blind eye when an unfamiliar child is hurt, because a plague like this may turn up at your door steps. The nation should be on the look out for the safety of children. All of us, actively.