During a meeting with five members of the family at Jamaica House on Thursday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding gave assurance that all available help would be provided to them.

Lends a shoulder

"This one is too hard to bear alone," the prime minister told the family. "While we will be providing you with assistance in terms of funeral expenses and counselling, you will have to lean on God for His guidance."

Two-year-old Niasha Cousins, five-year-old Thaila Cousins and three-year-old Jawara Cousins were burnt alive in a one-room board house in the eastern parish. The children perished with their grandmother, who the police believe was shot by her attackers before the house was set ablaze.

Arrest made

The St Thomas police on Thursday said they continue to probe the incident and have since made an arrest.

James Robertson, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister and member of parliament for West St Thomas, said every effort would be made to assist Fernando Cousins, father of the three children, to get his life back in order.

"It's about family support," he said. "This family will be fully supported.

"Autopsies are being done and with the assistance of the councillors from both St Thomas and Portland, the two parishes from which the family originate. We will be staying on top of this one," he added.