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Convener of Hear the Children’s Cry, Betty-Ann Blaine, is raising concern about the recent case of a young man who was reportedly sexually molested by a man who had been jailed on a buggery charge.
The incident was uncovered during a routine inspection last month by a Resident Magistrate at the lockup at the Oracabessa Police Station in St Mary.
According to reports, the RM ordered that the 21-year-old man be removed from that cell at the police station and investigations conducted into the allegations.
Blaine says the incident is sad as the young man should not have been jailed in the same lock up as a man charged with buggery.
She says it also highlights why children should not be held in cells with adults.
During the throne speech last year Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said steps would be taken to address the issue of children being held in police lockups.
In the meantime, Blaine says the incident is also an indicator of the country’s need to keep the buggery law intact.
In December last year People's National Parfty president Portia Simpson Miller said the buggery law should be reviewed and the matter discussed in Parliament.
But Blaine says instead of repealing the act, the buggery law should be strengthened.
monique.grange@gleanerjm.com
The incident was uncovered during a routine inspection last month by a Resident Magistrate at the lockup at the Oracabessa Police Station in St Mary.
According to reports, the RM ordered that the 21-year-old man be removed from that cell at the police station and investigations conducted into the allegations.
Blaine says the incident is sad as the young man should not have been jailed in the same lock up as a man charged with buggery.
She says it also highlights why children should not be held in cells with adults.
During the throne speech last year Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said steps would be taken to address the issue of children being held in police lockups.
In the meantime, Blaine says the incident is also an indicator of the country’s need to keep the buggery law intact.
In December last year People's National Parfty president Portia Simpson Miller said the buggery law should be reviewed and the matter discussed in Parliament.
But Blaine says instead of repealing the act, the buggery law should be strengthened.
monique.grange@gleanerjm.com