Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has condemned the murder of a nine-year-old Nikita Noel amid reports that she was raped and strangled earlier this week.
Police said a 42-year-old man is assisting their investigations.
“My heart goes out to Nikita’s family and loved ones and I am sure the entire Jamaica is praying for the family at this very sad time.” Prime Minister Holness said, after the authorities said that the body of Nakita Noel, a student of the Esher Primary was found after she did not return home from school on Wednesday.
Holness offered his deep condolence and support to Nikita’s family, as they try to make sense of her vicious murder.
“Our society must never become numb to the increasing barbarity of violent acts. The society must clearly define and defend the moral line by speaking out against and unequivocally condemning these violent acts and supporting measures that will bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Holness said it is for this reason, government is urgently amending the Offenses Against the Person Act (OAPA) “to provide stiffer penalties for those who terrorize and prey upon our people, particularly vulnerable and innocent children.
“Such barbaric criminals must be in no doubt that the country wants them separated from the society,” Holness said.
Nikita, who was fondly called Joanna, would celebrate her tenth birthday on March 1.
Member of Parliament for Western Hanover, Tamika Davis, condemned violence against children and women.
“We must bring an end to this as a parish. I remember not too long ago, Hanover was considered one of the safest parishes in the island, and look at us now. We have to work together to ensure that we stamp out, nip now, that demon that is rearing its ugly head in this usually quiet parish,” she said.
CMC/
