KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of The Children’s Advocate (OCA) has condemned the rape and murder of eight-year-old Selena Edmund, whose body was found in bushes in Top Hill, St Thomas on Monday. 

Young Selena was reportedly raped and her throat slashed Monday afternoon (February 3). 

“Absolutely no parent or guardian should have to endure the agonizing pain of having to bury their child under these gruesome and heart-rending circumstances,” declared Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison.

Gordon Harrison called on communities across Jamaica to “rise up and put an end to child abuse as the silence is costing our children their lives”. 

“We must as a nation say enough is enough as we cannot continue to slaughter our children. Where persons in communities know or even suspect that a child may be abused, we at the OCA implore them to make a report and speak out, as their silence or turning a blind eye to the problem will only result in heartache.”

Reports are that a man was held by the St Thomas police in relation to the rape and murder.

More information later.