– Minister Lawrence stresses need for communication with parents, caregivers, homes

MINISTER of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence , has said that there are important lessons to be learnt from the two brothers, aged three and six, who perished when a fire engulfed the Drop In Centre on the night of July 10 last.Approximately 30 children were being kept at the home.
Joshua George, 6, and his brother Antonio, 3, perished in the fire that razed the Hadfield Street, Georgetown, facility. It was only the day before that the two boys along with their three other siblings had been taken to the centre by the Child Protection Agency.

In her remarks at the boys’ funeral on Tuesday, Minister Lawrence relived the gallant attempt by the younger of the two brothers to go back into the burning building to save his elder brother.
Painfully reliving the memory, Minister Lawrence said: “Joshua and Antonio have been called to another place of abode, but there are important lessons for us to learn from this tragic incident. Young as they were, we evidenced their love, care and support for each other.
‘‘This selfless act of sibling concern that prompted Antonio’s search for his brother is, sad to say, not too often displayed in our society. And so, Antonio has demonstrated to us that ultimate act of love, and I believe that through his doing, he has left us an important message,” the minister stated.
She reminded the gathering: “We all need to be on the look out for each other, wherever we are and whatever our status in life. Moreover, within our family circles, we need to work diligently to keep the family intact: upholding family values and treasuring the family bonds and relationships; and he [Antonio] taught us that.”
Noting that the Ministry of Social Protection’s mandate is to protect all our children, she stressed, “And I can assure you that we will not shirk from our responsibility.”
Minister Lawwrence said the ministry intends to rigidly embark on networking “involving all our homes, all our parents, caregivers and children and other important persons within society, who can resolve to ensure that the lines of communication are kept open and that they share and care for each other.”
She expressed gratitude to those who lent support, namely caregivers Sharon Fraser Jones and Mr. Rupert Hinds and the boys and girls at the Drop In Centre.
She thanked public-spirited neighbours who came out to lend a hand, and officers of the Fire Service, the police and security guards on duty.
Lawrence also thanked Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton for his ready support through all of the issues confronting the ministry, and the specialist at the Georgetown Hospital who initiated the provision of counselling and therapy for the three surviving siblings and the other children who were at the facility.
The minister was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Keith Scott, and other officials of the ministry. Representatives of child rights groups also attended the funeral.