Look out for welfare of our children

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It is with great pain that I write this letter to share my concerns about the plight of the nation’s children . We need to stop abusing and murdering our children.

I pity the children who were born in the last 20 years as they were born in a time when crime and violence has mushroomed everywhere in the society. How can children enjoy their childhood if almost every other week they see on television that another young life was taken by the hands of another human being? Children’s lives are threatened in the home, on the streets, at school, at church and on the internet.

As a people, we have failed our children – the most vulnerable group in society. Things will not resolve on their own. We have to be proactive to stop the dangers that threaten them. Madam, I urge us to listen to the cries of our children.

As someone with over 35 years of leadership in a youth club, I am calling every adult in Jamaica to make a personal pledge to look out for the welfare of our children. I so pledge to continue to do what lies in my power to assist as many children as possible to get a proper education. I have been doing this for over 30 years.

One way to help is instead of treating yourself for your birthday, use the money you would have used to assist a child to attend school.

I am also recommending that the Family Courts order mandatory counselling for all parents who come before the courts for maintenance matters in the interest of the child involved. This would help to lessen the hostility between the parents in such cases.

I am recommending that at every event, from the dancehall to parliament, we take a few minutes to pledge to treat our children better.

DENROY PALMER