Dear Editor,
The tragic deaths of Ivor and Parbattie Persaud as well as their two grandchildren are reminiscent of the death of a good friend of mine, Latchmie Kalicharran, under identical circumstances a few years ago.
They all died in homes that were made impregnable because of legitimate security concerns, but which became death traps.
The inescapable truth is that while the iron bars kept the intruders out, they also denied the occupants an escape route in the event of an emergency. This is entirely avoidable. If any good can come out this let it serve as a wake-up call for the nation to recognize the danger and to take immediate remedial action.
There needs to be an amendment to the housing and fire regulations to ensure that all rooms in every establishment have at least two avenues of escape; iron grates should be hinged and locked from the inside.
There should also be a public service campaign to educate the general public on the dangers of creating these death traps and of the alternatives that exist.
My sincerest condolences to the Persaud family.
Yours faithfully,
Errol R Arthur