The Editor, Sir:

The Child Development Agency (CDA) wishes to commend the media fraternity for its strong commitment to highlighting the problems our children face and for spurring the discussion and advocacy that is taking place around these issues today.

It is incumbent upon all of us, each and every well-thinking citizen, to take a stand in the fight against the abuse, neglect and exploitation of our children. No one individual, group or organisation can create a Jamaica fit for children. There must be decisive and collective action to strengthen supportive and protective environments at every level.

Against the background of several recently publicised events, we are sadly reminded that despite the gains made, we still have a far way to go in fulfilling our obligation as duty bearers, charged with the responsibility of protecting the rights of every child. The CDA expresses sincere condolences to the families who have lost children to crime and violence.

I take this opportunity to remind the public of the following stipulations enshrined in the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) 2004:

Child protection

Section 2 of the CCPA states: "Children are entitled to be protected from abuse, neglect and harm or threat of harm". Further, all Jamaicans are legally obligated under Section 6 of the CCPA to report known or suspected cases of child abuse, neglect and abandonment to the Office of the Children's Registry.

The penalty for failure to report is a fine of $500,000 or six months in prison, or both.

Section 9 of the CCPA states: A person commits an offence if that person, being an adult and having the custody, charge or care of any child, wilfully:

(a) assaults, physically or mentally ill-treats, neglects, abandons or exposes such child; or

(b) causes or procures the child to be assaulted, physically or mentally ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed, in a manner likely to cause that child unnecessary suffering or injury to health (including injury to or loss of sight, or hearing, or limb, or organ of the body, or any mental derangement).

The penalties for offences committed against children are fines ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, imprisonment with hard labour for a maximum term of five years, or a combined penalty of a fine and imprisonment.

Act right: love, honour and protect our children.

I am, etc.,

ALISON ANDERSON

andersona@cda.gov.jm

CEO, Child Development Agency

48 Duke Street

Kingston