PM expresses sadness at death of young boys in Norwood fire; urges for greater parental care

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expressing deep sadness at the deaths of young Javinchie Palmer and Tyler McLeod, who perished in a fire Friday night at their home in Paradise, Norwood in St James.

Holness reiterated the need for greater parental supervision and protection of children from catastrophic events such as fires, which he stressed, can be prevented.  He is urging parents to meet their obligation to ensuring the safety and protection of their children.

“Exposed flames are a danger to children and their use should be discontinued with immediacy. Fire hazards such as candles, kerosene lamps, exposed electrical wiring; flammable items, accelerants and all other such hazards should be removed in all instances, and kept out of the reach of children where necessary,” the prime minister cautioned.

Holness urged parents not to leave their children unattended at any time or in the care of another minor.

“Supervision is important to prevent these disasters; we must ensure that the safety of our children is always our foremost concern,” he stressed.

The mother of the two young boys has been taken into custody by police on suspicion of child neglect.

The Montego Bay police said they were awaiting the completion of investigations to determine if criminal charges should be laid against 28-year-old Shantel Brown in connection with the deaths of her two sons – eight-year-old Javanchi Lauderdale Palmer and one-year-old Tyler McLeod – and the injury to her two daughters – six-year-old Cory-Ann Palmer and Tyler’s twin sister, Tailer McLeod.

The prime minister has been vocal about the issue of open flame fires as an imminent danger to children.

Just last week, while handing over the keys to a newly rehabilitated home which was destroyed by fire that claimed the life of young Neymar Facey and left 15 members of a family homeless,  Holness stressed that the use of open flame fires, such as the use of kerosene lamps and candles in homes, should be discontinued.

“In the last few years I have embarked on a solar light distribution programme intended to replace the use of open flames as a source of lighting in poorer households. The lights are charged by sunlight in the daytime and last up to 8 hours when fully charged,” the prime minister said.

“Yours is the responsibility of protecting the precious lives of these children who are the future of our country. Stop leaving your children carelessly to die tragic deaths. Be vigilant in protecting your children from harm,” he added.