The Office of the Children's Advocate has launched a full investigation into the awarding of a 13-year-old girl as the winner of a fashion model competition.

Henderson Downer, acting children's advocate, told The Gleaner yesterday that a team of investigators has been assigned to probe the matter involving Shermonique Ivey, who, earlier this month, won the Pulse Fashion Model Search.

"We have also written to other relevant government departments in investigating the matter, if there is any criminal prosecution or whether anybody is liable to compensation," said Downer.

She declined to comment further, stating that the case was under enquiry.

Real work after high school

Concerns were raised in several quarters, including Letters to the Editor of this newspaper, after Ivey modelled in swimsuits and was adjudged winner of the competition on September 7.

Romae Gordon, general manager at Pulse, said Ivey would not start modelling internationally until she completed high school, as in the case of other underage winners.

"Samantha Re-Crowal won the petite competition some years ago at age 13. She remained in school and for the next couple of years only appeared in odd fashion shows," said Gordon.

At the same time, public officials have called for parents to be more vigilant in light of recent attacks.

Aakim Scott, an 11-year-old boy of Sandside, St Mary, was brutally killed last week. During that same week, another 11-year-old, Ananda Dean of Whitehall Avenue in the Corporate Area, went missing.

Plagued by monsters

Olivia Grange, minister of information, culture, youth and sports, said unfortunately, the society was plagued by "monsters" who were prepared to carry out nefarious acts against children.

"Parents, I ask you to look out for your children. Make sure you know where they are at all times," said Grange last Friday during an awards luncheon, hosted by the Urban Development Corporation, for staff members' children who were successful in the Grade Six Achievement Test.

Police statistics show that last month, three children were murdered.

In August, there were 17 reported cases of carnal abuse.

Rashida St Juste, public relations manager at the Child Development Agency, said more must be done to educate guardians about their responsibilities for the care and protection of their charges.