Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer 
Clarke
MARY CLARKE, the newly-appointed Children's Advocate of Jamaica, says her role will be that of a 'watchdog' for the children of Jamaica. The newly-created role is one in which she feels a 'high privilege' to serve.
The former teacher's new appointment follows years of voluntary service to children, whether as a Sunday school teacher, president of the Inter School Christian Fellow-ship or working with the Student Council Board of Jamaica.
It was a natural love for children that was the main motivation behind her accepting the new role, she explained. "It will be my responsibility to make sure that the rights of the nation's children are not infringed." The position was created under the 2004 Child Care Protection Act which, she contends, "... legal representation for the children becomes a little easier."
Jointly funded by the Government and UNICEF, the Office of Children's Advo-cate cost an estimated $20-$25 million to establish.
Beginning with 12 members of staff, Mrs. Clarke will eventually have 19 such persons to manage.
The office will provide legal representation and related assistance to children when needed, and will investigate and hear complaints on behalf of children.
