Killing of mentally ill man triggers call for compassion campaign

The killing of 62-year-old Delroy Walters in Long Acre, St Elizabeth, has prompted rights lobby Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) to call for the Government do more to educate society about how to care and engage with vulnerable groups.

Walters, who was believed to be mentally ill, was attacked at his home last Monday at 6:30 p.m. by a group of boys. He succumbed to his injuries.

Five minors have been detained.

JFJ Executive Director Mikel Jackson believes that education must begin at the grass-roots level – in the classroom – teaching students how to treat the disabled, whether those challenges may be intellectual, physical, or otherwise. That includes rudimentary civic responsibilities such as helping persons cross the road, she argues.

“It’s the simple things that show our civic culture in the country is improving. Just respect for human beings is something that we are promoting and advocating for the Government to do a little bit more in schools,” Jackson said in a Gleaner interview on Friday.

Last Monday’s altercation reportedly erupted when boys allegedly trespassed on his property while on their way to their usual fishing spot.

This was not the first time that encroachment had sparked a clash between Walters and boys in the community as prior reports had been made to the police.

That disclosure was made by Superintendent Dwight Daley, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division.

In previous instances, the police would request youngsters to desist from using the path. But it is alleged that in Monday’s confrontation, Walters was knocked unconscious after a heated argument.

His body had injuries to the head and forearms and was found by his brother on Tuesday morning at approximately 4 a.m.

Walters was taken to the Black River Hospital, where he later died.

He was said to have lived alone.

Daley reported that the suspected boys and their parents have expressed remorse over the incident. They, along with members of the community, are said to be cooperating fully with investigators.

The divisional chief revealed that because two of the boys are under age 12, they cannot be charged criminally. However, the other three may face criminal charges.

Jackson told The Gleaner on Friday that JFJ wants to collaborate with the Government to improve systems of protection for the most vulnerable.

Citing deficits in the State’s social-support services, the JFJ executive director called for increased participation from the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ mental-health units.

“How can they assist with public education? How can they ensure again that the families will have the support? ... What are some of the housing and the short-term support for the mentally ill, like infirmaries, and how is the Government equipped to address some of these underlying issues if the families can’t provide the necessary support?” she asked, highlighting fundamental areas for review and action.

While noting that Jamaica has shown progress in being more compassionate to, and understanding vulnerable groups, Jackson said there was still room for improvement.

“There is much more to be done in the school environment, in the communities, where we not only teach people about human rights and what their rights are, but also their responsibilities,” she said.

asha.wilks@gleanerjm.com