The tragedy that occurred over the weekend at the Armadale Juvenile Correctional Centre should be a wake-up call to those in authority who make policy decisions. It's time to do away with the 'isms' in the public sector as this has led to stagnation and general malaise among public employees.

What does that have to do with the incident at the juvenile penal institution and correctional services?

The leadership of the correctional services has done little to improve the conditions of these institutions; now all of the glaring infrastructural problems are being highlighted because they have all been observed publicly since the death of five wards in the fire at the institution.

The correctional service was quick to offer condolence and remorse to the wards and their families and even recommended what should be done in the future, after the fact. But I note that no empathy or encouragement was offered to those staff members who had undergone the tragic ordeal too. Furthermore, if the authorities knew what was needed why wait until five of our children had to die?

In closing, I just pray that good sense will prevail, that the overall management of these facilities will see significant improvement from this.

I am, etc.,

Calvin Thompson

warderexpose@yahoo.com