By Gloria Goffe, Freelance WriterPORT MARIA:
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER of Police, Jevene Bent, has made an impassioned plea for pledges to unite in the fight against crime and violence in the society.
"Unless this is created, then dark days lie ahead for everyone in the country," she said
Miss Bent was the guest speaker at the 6th annual Commemorative Service to celebrate International Women's Day, held on Sunday at the St. Mary Parish Church in Port Maria.
There is too much bloodshed in this country, she noted: "and as Christians and law abiding citizens, everyone must work closely with the police to free the society from fear." She said she was looking forward to a community partnership with the police in both St. Mary and St. Ann.
The men were challenged to assist in finding solutions to the problem of violence against women and children, which required the intervention of both the justice system and the community.
"A stand must be taken on some very important issues affecting the nation. So women need to speak out some more," she said.
Statistics have shown that the period 2001 to-date, 250 females were killed by the gun, 64 by the knife and 11 by the machete. Twenty-nine children were killed over the same period with similar weapons and 18 perished in fires between 2002 to date.
She congratulated the church women for identifying the day, noting that part of the purpose of International Women's Day was to put women's issues into the agenda.
The celebration of a significant day such as International Women's Day to unite women in sharing the struggles they face daily should continue in a united way, she said.
