By Sadeke Brooks, STAR Writer

Queen Ifrica performs her hit song 'Daddy Don't Touch Me There' as a special guest at the launch of 'Get the Picture: Drawing the Line Against Child Abuse', held at Emancipation Park, New Kingston, on Monday. - Winston Sill

The words of 'Daddy Don't Touch Me There' might not be Queen Ifrica's personal experience but she had no problem delivering the song convincingly on Monday during the launch of 'Get the Picture: Drawing the Line Against Child Abuse'.

The launch, which took the form of a candle-light vigil, was put on by the Child Development Agency (CDA) as part of the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Those in attendance were asked to march around the park with glow sticks for the 279 children who have been killed since the start of the year. Additionally, 279 balloons were simultaneously released in the air in recognition of the deceased children.

"These are some serious things taking place in our society; we can do something about it by speaking up. Today, November 19, I want the abuse against our youths to stop," said Ifrica near to the end of her performance.

She said she was happy to see those in attendance but would be happier if thousands more would come out in support of causes like these. Nonetheless, she believes her contribution will be going towards developing the young people in the country.

Ifrica also said she believed that the CDA is doing well in its fight against the abuse and murder of our children.

Alison Anderson, chief executive officer of the CDA, as part of her address to the audience, said that it was the duty of adults to make it known when a child is in need of care and protection.

"We have to stop taking out our anger on our children - we must pledge in our hearts that we will love our children," said a passionate Viris V. Clarke-Ellis, senior education officer at the Ministry of Education.

Other artistes, such as Tony Rebel, volunteered their services for the event, singing hits such as Sweet Jamaica and Teach The Children. To-Isis performed Ghetto Pain and Wash Belly and was well received by the audience.

The event, which was hosted by Dervan Malcolm and Suzecka Swaby, a student of May Pen Primary, had other performers like the Emmanuel Apostolic Choir, Dimario McDowell, Rehoboth Basic School, Vaz Preparatory School, Xinyu and Jessica Yapp, Alpha Boys Band and Creative Kidz Learning Academy.