Dear Editor,
The death of an individual is an occasion that would usually bring sorrow to the hearts of loved ones and acquaintances, even when it is expected. The death of two young innocent children is even more heart-wrenching, especially when it seems avoidable. It is with great sadness that I read of the fire in a facility managed by the Ministry of Social Protection, a fire that cost two children their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my sympathy to their parents, relatives and acquaintances.
I have read where the ministry has indicated that the government has taken full responsibility and would be bearing the cost of the funeral arrangements, and that “in the long term, CPA would work with the family to ensure the other three siblings and their ailing mother, receive all the support and help the need.” The report also stated that the Fire Service will be investigating the incident. The Fire Service as far as I am aware will be looking for the cause of the fire, which from the report appears to be electrical in nature. Editor, what I am interested in is what processes and procedures did the Ministry of Social Protection institute to prevent these disasters, and did anyone check to ensure that they were in place?
I have a few questions for Minister Lawrence and Ann Greene, Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA):
1) Was the building inspected by the Fire Service before it was reopened for use, bearing in mind that the forensic lab has electrical issues and has not yet been opened.
2) Were there fire escape stairs in the building?
3) Were there fire extinguishers on each floor?
4) Why were there only two employees supervising thirty-four young children on twelve-hour shifts?
5) How many hours per week does an employee work at this facility?
6) What type of training do employees receive; were there emergency evacuation procedures? It is reported that Sharon Jones gave a panicked young girl the keys to open a door during the fire, as she scurried to gather the other children.
7) How many beds are in the facility and did Ms Jones know that there were two boys on her floor?
It is easy to say that the government will take care of all the family’s funeral expenses and provide support in the future, but this can happen again ‒ tomorrow. Therefore it is incumbent on the Minister and the Head of the CCPA to answer these questions now.
Yours faithfully,
Keith Branch