The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to Probe Dayton Church, Jamaica Gleaner, July 19, 2006

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to Probe Dayton Church

Jamaica Gleaner
July 19, 2006

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060719/lead/lead7.html

Churchgoers leaving the Church Dayton Diamond Ridge on Sunday, July 9. The Kingston and St. Andrew Council has launched an investigation into the use of the church premises.
Photo by Ricardo Makyn

The Church Dayton Diamond Ridge, the affiliate worship centre of former deacon, Donovan Jones, who has been implicated in the sexual molestation of a 13-year-old girl, will come under the microscope again.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) will be launching an investigation into allegations that the facility is operating illegally.

According to Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie, the church was converted from a private home to its present state.

"It is now the responsibility of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation to do the necessary investigations, and once this is found to be illegal then the council will have no option but to take the necessary steps to ensure that there is compliance," the mayor argued. "We cannot legitimise wrongdoing in the city."

He was addressing the graduation ceremony of the Early Simulation Programme at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston. Referring to the alleged molestation of the 13-year-old girl, Mr. McKenzie urged Jamaicans to stand up and fight the monster of sexual abuse.

"The battle should not only be conducted by virtue of the courts, but should be condemned by all of as Jamaicans," Mr. McKenzie said, adding that the KSAC will take the necessary steps to ensure that the church complies.