He says the investigations are not to be seen as rivalling or in conflict with hearings before the commission of enquiry that has already been announced.

According to Witter, an independent investigation is in keeping with the mandate to protect the Jamaican people.

"The Office of the Public Defender has a statutory mandate which we must discharge in these circumstances. That is why we have an independent investigation," Witter said.

Infringements

He added that only in cases where there have been infringements of rights can something be done.

He says in respect of the injured and hospitalised, if there was negligence, then they could recommend that the State pay compensation to the families of the wards.

"Some appropriate remedy will have to be made to the estate of those who died," Witter said.

Witter said the next step, if there were infringements, would be to take the issue to the attorney general. If a settlement is not agreed upon there, the matter goes to court.

On May 22, five girls were burnt to death and 10 others were hospitalised after a fire at Armadale. Two others have since died, with 16-year-old Stephanie Smith becoming the latest death, succumbing to her injuries at the Kingston Public Hospital last Friday.

A spokesperson from the Office of the Children's Advocate told The Gleaner that an investigator was working on the case.

The source was, however, reluctant to say what situation the other girls were in, but was of the view that since they were still in the hospital, it must mean it was still serious.