Walkers Place of Safety Wards Get Relief Supplies

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, on Friday (Jan. 19), handed over food, clothing and other relief items to benefit wards of the Walkers Place of Safety.

Portfolio Minister,  Hon. Shahine Robinson, presented the supplies to Chief Executive Office of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Rosalee Gage-Grey at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in Kingston (Jan. 19) where some of the children are being housed.

“We’ve brought toiletries, school bags, sheets, beds, canned goods, sachets of flavoured drinks, rice and a lot more,” she told JIS NEWS.

“This is just a symbolic hand over as the bulk of the relief supplies will be delivered to the Duke Street offices of the CPFSA,” she informed.

A massive fire at the Lyndhurst Road location of the Walkers Place of Safety on Monday night (Jan.15) claimed the lives of two children and destroyed the facility.

The 34 wards, who have been displaced, are being housed at residential facilities in Kingston.

Minister Robinson expressed sorrow at the incident and the loss of lives.

She said the Government will “seek to put in place whatever safety measures we can to ensure that incidents like these never happen again.  Whatever we can do from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security we will do.”

Minister Robinson commended persons, who have come forward with donations, and encouraged others to assist the children.

“We look forward to even more expressions of generosity to help rebuild the home. We’re dealing with children here and whoever  can contribute, do so with a willing heart,” she urged.

Mrs. Gage-Grey, in expressing gratitude, noted that the response to the relief and rebuilding efforts “has been tremendous.”

“We want to say a big thank you to Jamaica.  It shows us that together, we really can build a better Jamaica for all our children. This support is really appreciated,” she told JIS NEWS.

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