CPFSA condemns murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has voiced shock and profound grief over the killing of 10-year-old Shani Coke. Her body was found partly unclothed, with her throat cut, on a dirt path among bushes in the Tyre area close to Troy in Trelawny.

In remarks released on Wednesday, the agency said the death underscores how often Jamaican children suffer extreme violence at the hands of adults charged with keeping them safe. Officials reiterated that every child deserves to mature in a secure, caring setting where they are shielded, respected and free to reach their promise.

CPFSA Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams Thomas said the organisation stands with the youngster’s relatives and neighbours as they face the loss.

“There are simply no words that can lessen the pain of this tragedy. This 10-year-old child should have been given the opportunity to fulfil her dreams; her parents should have been given the chance to see her graduate from primary school, from university, to see her walk down the aisle…Instead, she was made to become a statistic, another victim of unspeakable violence. We cannot continue to accept these horrific acts as a normal part of our society. Every time a child is abused or murdered, we fail in our collective duty to protect those who depend on us most,” she said.

Adams Thomas cast the killing as a summons for the country to act, pressing Jamaicans to turn away from violence aimed at children and to own a common duty to defend their welfare.

“This must be a turning point for Jamaica. We must cultivate an environment where the protection of our children is an immediate priority, transcending the rhetoric that simply designates them as the future. Every child is precious, every life has immeasurable value, and every adult has a responsibility to intervene, to report abuse, to speak up and to act. If we truly believe that our children are our greatest asset, then our actions must begin to reflect those words,” she said.

“Jungle justice, however, is not the appropriate form of intervention and is not supported by the CPFSA,” the CEO added.

The agency reported that first responders are already in the area examining whether other children linked to the household need urgent safeguarding. Teams are also reviewing the psychosocial needs of the bereaved relatives and say they are prepared to offer help.