The Prime Minister's directive comes after two eight-year-old boys perished in a house fire Thursday morning in Culloden, Whitehouse, Westmoreland.
By Nakinskie Robinson/Racquel Porter
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has directed the Ministry of Energy to intensify the distribution of solar lamps, and fast track the solar kit programme to households not connected to the Jamaica Public Service power grid.
The directive comes after two eight-year-old boys perished in a house fire Thursday morning in Culloden, Whitehouse, Westmoreland.
Prime Minister Holness, who lamented the tragedy, urged parents and families to ensure their children are protected from the hazards of open flame lighting, such as candles and lamps, by ensuring adequate and effective supervision or avoiding their use altogether.
Under the solar kit programme households that are not connected to electricity can have access to low cost, easily deployed solar solution that provides safe energy for basic domestic lighting, and small appliances use such as fans, radios, and cellphones.
Prime Minister Holness said he remains committed to reducing, if not eliminating the incidents of avoidable loss of lives and to helping Jamaicans access an increasingly better quality of life.
In the meantime, the police are cautioning parents not to leave children home alone, especially during the holiday season.
Superintendent of Police Otheniel Dobson reiterated the need for greater parental supervision and protection of children from catastrophic events such as preventable fires.
"We are taking this medium to urge parents and guardians to ensure the safety of your children. Don't leave them in houses with candles or illegal electricity connections that may cause fire," he pleaded.
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