ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – The tranquil community of St Catherine remains engulfed in a wave of anger and sorrow following the brutal rape of a seven-year-old girl, a student at Bermaddy Primary School. The incident, which has shaken the close-knit neighborhood to its core, marks an unprecedented act of violence in the area. Melbourne Thompson, the school’s principal, expressed the collective sentiment, stating, ‘The community is furious; if they could, they might have sought vigilante justice. But there’s also profound sadness, as nothing like this has ever happened here before.’ The attack occurred as the young girl was walking home from school. She was reportedly dragged into a bus by an assailant, sexually assaulted, and left for dead. Fortunately, the victim managed to raise an alarm, leading to the suspect’s apprehension by local residents as he attempted to flee in a taxi. He was promptly handed over to the police, who have since charged him. In response to the tragedy, Bermaddy Primary held a special devotion on Monday to provide solace to students and staff. The event saw the presence of St Catherine North Western Member of Parliament Damion Crawford, Senior Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson of the St Catherine North police, and representatives from the Office of the Children’s Advocate, all offering their support. Crawford proposed the introduction of walking wardens to accompany students on their daily commute home, a suggestion warmly welcomed by Thompson. The principal highlighted the poor road conditions near the school, which deter taxis from operating in the area, making the proposal a practical and much-needed solution. The community, while grappling with its grief, remains united in its demand for justice and measures to ensure the safety of its children.