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KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 31, 2019 (CMC) – A government legislator, yesterday, condemned the murder of a teacher, allegedly by her boyfriend, during an altercation.
“This has to end. Our women need greater support and empowerment to overcome domestic abuse. I am urging members of the Portland business community and the security forces to rally with me to find a solution to protecting abused women,” said the recently-elected East Portland Member of Parliament, Ann-Marie Vaz.
Preliminary reports indicate that 29-year-old Latoya Hill, a teacher at the Serbian Preparatory School, was killed and her body left on the side of the road, near her house in David Lane, Port Antonio, Portland, on the island’s northeast coast. Her body, with a bag over her head, was discovered by residents.
Police said they are searching for her partner.
Vaz, who recently won election to the Parliament in the recent by-election, appealed to women in the constituency, who may be in abusive relationships, to reach out to her for assistance.
She is also urging people to stop circulating graphic photos of the dead teacher on social media.
“I believe in the empowerment of our women, and domestic abuse cannot coexist with what I am trying to embody in this constituency.
“Whether it is physical or verbal abuse, there is absolutely no room for it in East Portland; and it is time that women be given the respect and protection that we deserve,” Vaz said, adding that she is awaiting the outcome of the police investigations.
