Soroptimist International of Northern Jamaica would like to express our deep concern regarding the rape, kidnapping and killing of women and children all over the country.

Based on the statistics given by the police, many of those crimes are still unsolved. Obviously, some of the perpetrators are being protected by families and friends.

Parents and guardians, please protect your children. Explain the dangers lurking without frightening them. You should always know where they are, whom they are with and what they are doing. Communities should treat children as if they were their own.

I hope that the Government's initiative will be effective and ultimately put a stop to the vicious and cold-blooded attacks on our women and children.

Soroptimist International of Jamaica offers deep condolences to the parents, families and friends of the victims who have fallen at the hands of criminals.

I am, etc.,

THELMA SMITH

President - National

Association

Soroptimist International

of Jamaica