Jamaica: PM condemns murder of 8-year-old girl

CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the killing of an eight year old girl as “deeply disturbing and barbaric”.

In a statement on Saturday following news of the death of Danielle Rowe, who was a student at the Braeton Primary School in the central parish of St. Catherine, the Prime Minister said all Jamaicans should “consider this a charge on our collective conscience”.

“Anyone who has any information or knowledge of this incident should immediately inform the police. We cannot be silent or protect those responsible for this gruesome act. The society cannot surrender to wanton violence, and we must be unequivocal when violence is directed against our children. Already since the start of the year eight children have been murdered, three of whom are under 12 years old. Our indignation and intolerance of fatal violence must be expressed in the highest penalties as a deterrent and the stiffest punishment if the criminal was not deterred. My Government will not resile from using all the legal tools available to us in sending a clear message that violence of any form is unacceptable and in bringing perpetrators of violent crime to justice”.

On Thursday, Danielle was found by the road with her throat slashed.

According to police reports, the eight year old was reportedly abducted as she left school in Portmore and later taken to an area in the Corporate Area where she was abandoned.

Danielle was rushed to hospital and an urgent appeal for blood donation was made, however she died early Saturday.

The Prime Minister received news of the incident on his return to the island on Friday, from the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of National Security.

While investigations are ongoing Holness has directed that all the necessary investigative resources must be mobilised to bring the perpetrator to justice.

He also directed the Minister of Education to have all schools review their safety and security policy to ensure that the policies and procedures are being effectively practiced to ensure the safety of our children.

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