The head of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation is throwing her support behind growing calls for Jamaica’s sex offenders’ registry to be opened to the public, arguing that communities have a right to know when convicted sexual predators are living among them.

While acknowledging that such a move could expose innocent people to devastating consequences if mistakes are made, she believes the potential to protect children and other vulnerable citizens far outweighs the risks. The issue has taken on renewed urgency following the brutal rape and murder of 10-year-old Shanai Coke in Trelawny earlier this week. The man accused of the crime, Delroy Coke, had previously been convicted of sexual offences and had a history of arrests involving children and sexual violence. His release from prison less than a year ago has reignited public outrage and renewed demands for greater transparency surrounding convicted sex offenders.

In response to the tragedy, the Government has announced that it will review the country’s approach to monitoring sex offenders, with National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang signalling that legislative and policy changes are under consideration.