Relatives and mourners of children killed under tragic or violent circumstances take time out to lay flowers at Secret Gardens shrine on Church Street, downtown Kingston, yesterday morning during the Kingston, and St Andrew Corporation Child Month church service. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Natalee Blidgen wept uncontrollably as she viewed the names of the many children, who have died under tragic circumstances, etched into the monument on Church Street, downtown Kingston.

"When I look at their names, it gives me an empty feeling. Most are similar in age to me and have been robbed of a future and it makes me sad to wonder who next," Blidgen remarked.

She was taking part in the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation Child Month church service held at the corner of Church and Tower streets. Participants in the service, including Governor General Dr Patrick Allen, lent their voices in unison to a demand for the immediate cessation of violence against the nation's children.

Allen called for a more caring society in which each child is the responsibility of all. This, he said, would give a sense of belonging to all.

Minister of Youth and Sports Olivia Grange echoed the governor general's views, adding that the sombre occasion brings into focus the need for a holistic approach to fighting the scourge of violence.

During the tributes, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller and Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie decried those who harm children.

Patricia Taylor paid tribute to her son, who was killed by gunmen in January last year.

Heartless

"These gunmen must respect the lives of the young and especially those who are innocent. How could they be so heartless? However, the attempt to preserve their memory by the mayor and the authorities is a good step,'' Taylor remarked.

The monument to children was erected late last year and has seen many visitors since.

"It's very good to have the monument in town to remind us where we are, and that changes must be put in place to deal with the problem,'' said Alexander Williams, whose daughter Rebecca performed a cultural item.

The tears flowed freely with the laying of floral arrangements by loved ones and friends who were in attendance. McKenzie revealed that of the 960 who went missing last year, 181 are still unaccounted for.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com