Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Paula Llewellyn says the sexual exploitation of children under the age of 16 remains a troubling and culturally ingrained issue in Jamaican society.
She made the comments in light of two recent high-profile convictions involving adult men who sexually abused minors.
In one case, a 44-year-old man was found guilty of molesting and trafficking his underage daughter and stepdaughter over several years.
He was sentenced to more than 70 years in prison but will serve 33 years and 8-months before becoming eligible for parole.
In another case, a 72-year-old man was convicted of raping his three step-grandchildren, aged six to eleven.
Although he received a combined sentence of 60 years, he will serve only 10 years, as the sentences are to run concurrently.
DPP Llewellyn says such cases highlight the disturbing reality that sexual abuse of minors continues to be normalized in some communities.
She adds that the perpetrators are often known or related to the victims.
Paula Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecutions.
