According to data released by the Court Management Services (CMS), children remained high on the list of criminal offenders over the last two months – a reality childcare experts fear will only get worse as families cope with the suspension of physical classes and job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Forty-four children were remanded for criminal offences, and 16 children were detained at places of safety in welfare matters,” offered the CMS, explaining a breakdown of the 60 children it said were ordered removed from their environments by the Corporate Area courts since March.

“Eighteen new children criminal cases have been brought before the Corporate Area courts during the period for offences such as murder [and] illegal possession of firearm and ammunition,” read the CMS response.

In the Corporate Area courts, “There were 100 active children criminal matters.

Exactly 10 years after the West Kingston incursion that left some 70 Jamaicans dead, Smith said the event and others like it have left some children and their parents with psychological scars.