PNPYO, Patriots Commend Police’s Pursuit of Justice in Kelsey Ferrigon Case

The People’s National Party, PNP, Youth Organisation, PNPYO, and the PNP Patriots are commending the police for what they describe as their pursuit of justice for nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon.

In a release on Tuesday, the groups say the swift and determined response of the police in cornering the man identified as a person of interest in the horrific rape and murder of the child deserves to be acknowledged.

The man, Giovanni Ellis, was shot dead in an alleged confrontation with the police in Sandy Bay, Clarendon on Monday morning.

The PNP youth groups say while his demise marks the end of a manhunt, it does not close the chapter on what is a national tragedy.

They say the incident underscores the failure of the justice system to adequately prevent, deter, and address sexual violence, especially against children.

The YO and the Patriots say legislation seeking to introduce harsher penalties for crimes against women and children is a potential fix.

The bill was tabled by opposition leader Mark Golding in 2016.

The young Comrades are also calling for urgent establishment of a multi-stakeholder panel to review and make recommendations for improving public accessibility of the National Sex Offenders Registry.

They contend that the measure is not only about deterrence; it’s about protecting vulnerable communities.