The Jamaican Government's Shifting Stance on Child Fatalities: A Critical Examination

By: Wayne Forbes /GTV Editor

February 22nd, 2026

The Jamaican Government's Shifting Stance on Child Fatalities: A Critical Examination

The recent condemnation by the Minister of National Security and Peace regarding the gang violence that claimed the life of a three-year-old in West Kingston, as highlighted in a Facebook post by Andrew Holness, brings to the forefront a persistent critique leveled against the Jamaican government: an alleged selective outrage when a minor is killed by criminals versus instances where military actions result in child fatalities.

While the government's swift denouncement of gang-related violence affecting children is crucial and commendable, critics argue that a similar level of outcry and accountability is often absent when security forces are implicated in the deaths of minors. This perceived disparity raises serious questions about justice, transparency, and the consistent protection of all children within the nation.

Past incidents, such as the 2010 Tivoli Gardens incursion, where a commission of inquiry investigated the deaths of numerous individuals, including allegations of excessive force by security forces, serve as a potent reminder of this concern. Though inquiries may be initiated, the path to prosecution and true accountability for military personnel involved in such incidents can be lengthy and, at times, perceived as insufficient.

This contrasting response creates an impression of a two-tiered system of justice, where the lives lost to criminal elements are met with immediate and strong condemnation, while those lost to state actors sometimes receive a more subdued or delayed reaction. This not only erodes public trust but also undermines the government's commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens irrespective of the circumstances of their death.

For true justice and equitable protection of all children, the Jamaican government must demonstrate consistent outrage and pursue accountability with the same vigor, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a gang member or a member of the security forces.

What steps could the Jamaican government take to address these concerns and ensure a more consistent approach to all child fatalities?