Strong police warnings issued to nightclub and entertainment establishments

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is issuing a strong warning to nightclub and entertainment establishment owners about harbouring or employing underage children, saying this will result in prosecution.

 This advisory follows an operation last Saturday, July 4, which resulted in the arrest of a woman who was later charged with employing a 17-year-old child in a nightclub. Two others were also charged with other offences.

 Reports are that about 10:00 p.m., members of the Transnational Crime Investigation Division executed search warrants at two establishments. During the operation, more than 30 individuals were interviewed, and three people were subsequently charged.

 Thirty-eight-year-old Marsha-Gay McLean of Toronto Drive, St. Catherine, has been charged with Employing a Child in a Nightclub and Using a Child for Conduct Contrary to Decency or Morality, offences committed contrary to Section 39 of the Child Care and Protection Act.

 Also charged is 24-year-old Davion Johnson, a security guard of Molynes Road, Kingston, who faces charges of Possession of Ganja, Dealing in Ganja, and Possession of Criminal Property. Also, 25-year-old Najair Brown of Gordon Town, St. Andrew, has been charged with Possession of Ganja and dealing in Ganja.

 The police continue to monitor these establishments and urge business operators to verify their employees’ ages. Employing minors for adult entertainment or in environments that may compromise their morals violates the Child Care and Protection Act.

 The public is encouraged to report information about the employment of minors in nightclubs, human trafficking or other illicit activities by contacting the Specialised Investigation Branch at 876-922-2373, Crime Stop at 311, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, the police emergency number 119 or the nearest police station.