Saving Jamaica's children
published: Sunday | January 26, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir: KUDOS TO The Sunday Gleaner for its articles on the conditions of child care in Jamaica's institutions for children (Sunday, January 5, 2003). While the story is tragic and sad, it is one that needs to be told. We cannot hide from the reality or run away from our responsibilities to our children. Becoming educated and aware of what is happening is the first step in making things right.
I am concerned, however, that our zeal for rectifying the system is not limited to dealing with only specific cases of abuse, whatever the form it may take. For as horrific and criminal as these cases may be, they are only a manifestation of a system that suffers from mismanagement and corruption. Until we hold accountable those relevant authorities designated to regulate the child care system and the groups actually managing the institutions, we will never solve the day-to-day problems facing the children.
If nothing else, children's homes are big business - cash cows, if you will. There is no more likely recipient of charitable funds and goods than a needy child. Unfortunately, too many of the persons operating these homes are driven by greed and opportunistic self-interest and have no substantial interest in the welfare of the children. At the same time, though there are adequate laws regulating the operation of the homes, too often those engaged to carry out the laws lack the will or courage to enforce them. The inevitable end results are such as those you reported in your paper.
The Prime Minister has established a group to study the operations of children's institutions in Jamaica. My suspicion is that they will find that the relevant laws are in place and resources are adequate, but that what is needed is for those in position of authority and accountability to do the right thing. Hopefully an examination of the mismanagement and corruption that is rampant in the system will be its highest priority for until this is addressed everything else is idle chat.
