Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Jamaica, June 18, 2023 – Crime in Jamaica is now involving younger victims; as many as eight children have been murdered in the country since 2023 and the Prime Minister is weighing in after an 8 year-old girl was abducted from school and brutally killed; Danielle Rowe, the daughter of a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force was murdered on Saturday June 10.

Incomprehensibly, reports are that the little girl was found with her throat slashed in St. Andrew on Thursday June 8th; she was rushed to the hospital but did not make it.

Reports say she was abducted from her school, Braeton Primary in Portmore, St Catherine in a motor car and taken to Kingston where she was found, throat slashed.

Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, who described her death as “deeply disturbing and barbaric,” pointed to the amount of children murdered since 2023.

“Already, since the start of the year, eight children have been murdered, three of whom are under 12 years old.”

He further spoke to the attitude that should be displayed towards crimes like these saying, “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 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.”

Holness has directed that all necessary investigative resources be mobilized to bring those responsible to justice.

Police are also requesting the help of members of the public to help catch the perpetrator(s).

“We are urgently calling on the public to help us bring the perpetrator(s) of this horrendous act to justice. If you have any information that you believe can assist in solving this case, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your contribution could be pivotal in helping us solve this case and bring closure to the grieving family.”

Additionally, in efforts to enhance safety, Holness directed the minister of education to have all schools review their safety and security policies to ensure the policies and procedures are being effectively practised to ensure the safety of children.

According to a police release, Danielle Rowe was the daughter of a serving JCF member assigned to the St Catherine South Division.

Also, the release expressed the support, the thoughts and deepest condolences of the JCF family, to Rowe’s family, friends, and school community amid this traumatic event.

Caption:

Grade two teacher at the Braeton Primary and Infant School in Portmore, St Catherine, Gillian Walker, arranges flowers and a textbook on the desk where eight-year-old Danielle Rowe sat. A special service in Danielle’s honour was held at the school on June 12. (Photo: JIS)