The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has consistently held the view that the Integrity Commission Act (2017) is a critical part of the anti-corruption legal architecture that the nation has. In its vision and wisdom, the Parliament of Jamaica passed into law this significant piece of legislation that is working in the fight against corruption. We have admonished our leaders in the past to resist the temptation to molest the stipulations of this act. Indeed, we saw a grave danger in its diminution and recommended instead that it be strengthened where possible and necessary.
The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) notes the importance of inclusive and peaceful messages on our various political platforms, especially in a year when our national elections are constitutionally due. We recognize that parliamentarians are duty bound to protect the rights of all citizens. One of those basic rights is the right to life.
The reports of an assault on a nurse by an irate motorist, the disappearance and presumed death of Anisa Dilworth, a student of the University of Technology and the killing of young Kelsey Ferrigon, all in quick succession, have once again jarred the conscience of the nation and elicited its outrage. These incidents of violence against women and girls are painful to acknowledge and distressing to our souls. The promise of fulfilment of dreams for the young have been summarily cut short and the scars of the trauma caused by the horror of abuse must now be navigated by surviving victims. We grieve with the families and acquaintances of these victims and extend our sympathies and prayers for their comfort.
