PM outraged by deaths of three children in house fire in St Ann

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says he is profoundly saddened and outraged following the tragic fire in St Ann this morning that claimed the lives of three young children.

This is another incident of a similar nature in less than a week, noted Holness.

“Once again, in the second time since the start of the year, the nation mourns a terrible tragedy that should never have occurred of children dying in house fires,” said Holness in a statement today.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking to lose three innocent lives in such a preventable manner. Every Jamaican child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, and this incident brings into sharp focus the gaps in vigilance and responsible parenting we face as a nation.

“While we understand the economic demands on parents, particularly single-parent households, there can be no excuse for leaving children unattended or with little or no supervision, particularly in cases which could not be considered an emergency,” Holness continued.

Holness said parents must do more to ensure their children are cared for and protected at all times.

“The Government strongly remind parents and guardians of their moral duty to their children and their legal responsibilities under the Child Care and Protection Act.”

Holness has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and provide support to the families and the community.

Late last year, Holness spoke on the matter of house fires due to open flames resulting in the death of children.

While this most recent event is not attributed to open flames, he said the government is committed to addressing energy poverty and ensuring that all Jamaicans have access to safe, regularised, and affordable electricity to meet their basic living needs.

Holness said the Ministry of Energy is far advanced in developing the Solar Access programme for energy-uncertain households in Jamaica.

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