CPFSA expresses profound sorrow following deaths of two young children in separate incidents in recent days

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is expressing profound sorrow following the deaths of two young children in separate incidents in recent days.

They are 5-year-old Rakeema Williams of Rocky Point, Clarendon, and 10-week-old Mateo Forbes of Top Hill, Manchester.

Rakeema is suspected to have drowned at her home on Sunday while Mateo died after an incident at his home on Tuesday.

CPFSA said while the details of each case differ, both tragedies underscore the urgent need for vigilance and support in protecting Jamaica’s children.

Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, expressed deep anguish at both incidents.

She said Mateo should have been surrounded by care and protection.

Adams-Thomas said the agency is providing psycho-social support to relatives of Rakeema.

It’s reported that Rakeema allegedly drowned in a man hole located at the rear of a rented premises.

The family had recently relocated to the rented property while renovations were being carried out at their family home, also in Rocky Point.

Reports indicate that Rakeema’s mother began searching for her after she was not seen for some time and discovered that a stone used to secure a manhole cover had been removed.

Upon checking inside, she found her daughter unresponsive.

The child was rushed to the Lionel Town Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Rakeema, a student of the Galilee Basic School in the community, has been described by her teacher as vibrant, helpful and full of life.