Sombre mood at candlelight vigil for three children who died in St. Ann house fire

By Kimone Witter    

 

It was a sombre mood at a candle light vigil held last night for the three children who perished in a fire at their home in Walkerswood, St. Ann earlier this month.

 

Scores of residents gathered in the community square to remember Tashawna, Tashawnie and Tavarno Mattis.

 

The children's five-year-old sibling and their grandmother survived the January 12 fire.

 

Tears flowed as family members and residents shared their love for the children and recounted the tragedy which unfolded.

 

The children's grandaunt, Bonitto Roach, said the family is a victim of circumstance, as she reacted to the report that the children's mother is being investigated by the police. 

 

"Kimmy loves her children, and Kimmy will never do nothing to hurt her children. And she was working at a Cashpot, and the resident told me that every minute Kimmy went up the hill to look on them, to check on them, left her work and come back to the work. And what I can say, they were victim of circumstances - both her mother and she was victim of circumstances, because underlining these things, every eyes and every hand maybe pointing at Robin and Kimmy, but there's an hidden force behind it," she declared. 

 

Meanwhile, Councillor for the Moneague Division, Lloyd Garrick, said the five-year-old sibling is receiving care. 

 

"I know that some serious arrangement has been put in place for the five-year-old, and as the days and the week go by, we will hear more of those arrangements. But he's in good hands, and I think he's trying to settle down," said the councillor. 

 

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) had said it would provide support to the child, to ensure his safety and welfare are maintained in the aftermath of the tragedy.