Black Friday protest against rape

National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, and several groups are to lead marches on important sites across Jamaica, as they vent their frustration over the increasing violence being perpetrated against women and children.

During a meeting at Jamaica House on Wednesday, 15 organisations agreed to endorse a planned demonstration by Woman Inc.

The action was spurred by Monday night’s rape of five females, including an eight-year-old in Irwin St. James, as well as the impregnation of an 11-year-old girl, allegedly by her grand uncle.



Jamaicans are being urged to join women’s organisations and wear black today.

They are also being asked to stand at public places across Jamaica, including the Half-Way Tree Clock Tower, at 10 a.m.

Persons unable to attend are being encouraged to still participate in the protest by observing two minutes of silence at 10 a.m. in their workplaces and homes.

Bunting will lead a march to Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St. James.

The Child Development Agency will lead a group of organisations and concerned citizens on a march to the Secret Garden Children’s Memorial at the corner of Tower Street and Church Street in downtown Kingston.

Meanwhile, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, is seeking to assure that serious consideration will be given to proposals for protecting the rights of women.

The Bureau of Women’s Affair has been tasked with making the recommendations following a meeting this week at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Speaking on Nationwide Radio yesterday, Falconer said over the years several reports and studies have been put out on protecting the rights of women but there has been little or no action.

She said the Bureau has been instructed to go through the documents and prepare a holistic report, so that the government can chart the best way forward.

editorial@gleanerjm.com