Seven-year-old found with gun at school now in state care

By Racquel Porter    

 

The seven-year-old St. Elizabeth student who was found in possession of a submachine gun, is in state care.

 

His siblings are also in the care of the state.

 

The weapon was taken from the child at a school in the parish on Thursday.

 

The police have not provided any further details on their investigation.

 

Laurette Adams-Thomas, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), said as soon as the incident was brought to their attention, a team of first responders were dispatched to the location to secure the well-being of the child as well as the other children in the home.

 

Mrs. Adams-Thomas has urged parents and guardians to be more diligent. 

 

"It is imperative that parents be more vigilant about checking their children's bags before they go to school to prevent them from taking dangerous or inappropriate items with them - be it weapons or pornographic materials or drug related items. These things do not only put your child at risk but it can also endanger the lives of other children as well as teachers at the institution," she warned.   

 

The CPFSA head encouraged persons to report any and all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211.

 

Child abuse reports may also be made via WhatsApp or text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office.