Protect women and children - wife of Jamaican PM pleas

Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew and wife of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Mrs Juliet Holness, issued an impassioned plea for Jamaicans to unite in protecting the country's women and children.

In recent weeks a number of teenage girls have been abducted while more than 20 women have been killed in the island since December last year. On Monday Jamaicans wore black in solidarity with the victims.

Mrs Holness says she is shocked by the brazen and gruesome nature of the recent incidents of violence against women and children.

“As a wife and mother I am shocked at what is happening in my country and I want it to stop. This fight will never be won on an individual basis, it calls for collective action. This calls for a commitment of all - Jamaicans, teachers, pastors, members of the security forces, the business community, everybody to report these instances of violence,” she said.

She expressed relief that a Joint Select Committee of Parliament to review laws to protect women and children has reconvened and urged all Jamaicans to speak out against violence against women and children.

“A mind set change is needed in the society. Many of our men do not respect women and too many of our children are being abused. Our contribution as women is invaluable as we continue to hold the family structure together and provide a safe haven for our children to realize their dreams.  Their innocence gives enough reason for us to protect them.”

The Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew says she supports any initiative that seeks to build awareness of the issues surrounding violence against women and children and is calling on all Jamaicans to increase their level of awareness and not be afraid to speak out.