Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, has condemned a recent spate of violent acts against women and girls, describing the incidents as “deeply troubling” and “a stain on our national character.”
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Chang expressed outrage over a series of shocking crimes that have gripped the nation in recent days. These include the sexual assault of two young girls, aged nine and ten, in Old Harbour, St. Catherine on May 7; the brutal strangulation and assault of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon in Spanish Town on May 9; the vicious road rage attack on a nurse in Mount Friendship, St. Andrew on May 13; and the May 17 discovery of skeletal remains in Portmore, believed to be those of missing UTECH student, Anisa Dilworth.
On Monday, scores of nurses, medical practitioners, and residents marched in protest against the recent wave of violence against women and children.
“These heinous incidents have caused national outrage, inflicted deep pain on families and communities,s and have shaken the moral conscience of society,” said Dr. Chang.
He called the acts “not only criminal violations, but moral ones – offences against our shared values of decency, justice and human dignity.”
“As minister of national security, let me state unequivocally – violence against women and children will not be tolerated! These acts will be met with the full force of the law,” he asserted.
The minister also highlighted the particularly distressing timing of the incidents, coming during National Children’s Month—a time traditionally dedicated to affirming Jamaica’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its youngest citizens.
In his address, Dr. Chang sought to reassure the families of victims and the wider public that the government remains resolute in its mission to ensure the safety of women, girls, and all children across Jamaica.
He praised the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for its response to the recent crimes. “Their swift, thorough and professional investigations into these public-interest cases… supported by the vigilance and cooperation of responsible citizens, have led to the apprehension of suspects and the swift progression of these matters in the criminal justice system.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Chang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a society where no woman or child lives in fear.
“We will not rest until our homes, our streets and our communities are safe for every Jamaican,” he declared.
