Jamaica will observe Friday, June 23 as National Day of Mourning in condemning violence and ill-treatment of the nation’s children.
The proclamation was made by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen on Wednesday during a ceremony at King’s House.
The day may consist of devotionals, remembrance services in homes, workplaces, churches, and schools, and private or small group prayer vigils.
Jamaicans are also encouraged to participate in individual or group moments of silence, the turning on of headlights, the wearing of black, and the tolling of church bells at noon, among other appropriate responses.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the day is intended to mobilize the collective hurt of the nation into positive action for change.
He noted that while turning on headlights, and wearing black may seem frivolous, as a nation “it is a very powerful outward demonstration of how society feels, how we are grieving.”
The Prime Minister noted that Jamaicans continue to grieve the death of the country’s children, noting the death of Danielle Rowe.
Reports are that the 8-year-old student of the Braeton Primary and Infant School in Portmore, St Catherine, was abducted from the institution on June 8.
She was later found with her throat slashed and taken to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on June 10.
“We must send the collective message to the lawmakers that the laws must reflect our social conscience on this issue, that we must draw the line and send a strong signal that these acts must have laws that are strong deterrents. If the perpetrators are not deterred, then the penalties must be as severe as the act that they have committed,” Holness further said.
He shared that the Government is in the process of finalizing new legislation that will include increasing the penalties for murders and associated crimes, and amendments to the Domestic Violence Act, among other relevant laws.
