Sex offender registry danger - Advocate says making names public could be harmful

Making Jamaica's sex offender registry public could do more harm than good, warns human rights activist Carla Gullotta, even as recent crimes against young girls have ignited a fierce debate about the protection of the nation's children.

Various incidents, including the sexual assault of two sisters in Old Harbour, St Catherine, by a man who had served time in prison for a previous sexual offence, has once again sparked calls for greater transparency and public access to the registry. Many believe that revealing offenders' identities could help communities better protect their children. However, Gullotta cautions against this approach.

"Honestly, I'm not in favour at all to make it public," Gullotta told THE STAR. "I think it should be accessed only by those involved in the justice system -- police, probation officers, and other professionals who have a reason to use it. Making it public can lead to dangerous consequences," she added.

Following the murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Job Lane, Spanish Town, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness publicly promised to review the laws governing the registry in light of public outcry. However, Gullotta explained that there are risks of "jungle justice", where communities take the law into their own hands is one that must be considered.

"My major fear is that instead of justice, we see lynchings or attacks on alleged offenders. Those who commit these crimes must be apprehended and given serious sentences through the courts -- not by mob violence," she said. In 2021, Levi Chambers, a motor vehicle detailer of South Haven, St Thomas, was killed by residents in Llandeway in the parish, who mistook him for Davian Bryan, the man who had abducted two girls in Bath, St Thomas. Bryan was later captured and sentenced to a total of 160.75 years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to 12 counts of rape, grievous sexual assault and forcible abduction.

Gullotta added that personal vendettas should also not interfere with the justice system.

"It's not productive for someone to see a name on a list, recognise the person, and decide to harm them. That only leads to more violence, not safety," she said.

However, some have argued that keeping the registry confidential protects offenders instead of vulnerable children leaving them more exposed. However Gullotta explained that restricting access is meant to prevent harmful vigilantism while still ensuring justice is served.

"We want justice done the right way, not through dangerous personal vengeance," she said.