Child protection agency expedites preparations for funeral of wards who died in fire

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is now expediting preparations for the burial of the two wards of the State who died in the fire that destroyed the Walker's Place of Safety in January.

Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Rosalee Gage-Grey, yesterday met with the families of the deceased and discussed preparations for burial, following the receipt of the burial order from the police on Thursday.

“The agency has been working with the police who advised that a DNA was needed to identify the children. These results were received on Wednesday, March 28 and we now fast-track plans based on the families’ request,” Gage-Grey said in a release this afternoon.

The January 16 blaze destroyed the Lyndhurst Crescent facility, killing 12-year-old Anika McCrea and 16-year-old Annakay Moreland and displaced 34 other wards and their caregivers.

She added that the agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, is undertaking the full cost of the funeral expenses, as well as any additional assistance that may be required.

Gage-Grey said the CPFSA is supporting the families' wishes to have separate funerals for the girls and is now awaiting the desired dates.

In the meantime, she said the CPFSA has planned a memorial for Friday, April 6 at the Shiloah Apostolic Church located at 55A Lyndhurst Road, Kingston 5. 

The agency has also opened a condolence book at its offices located at 40 and 48 Duke Street, downtown Kingston for signing between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 4 and Thursday, April 5.