The Armadale enquiry has ended. Thank the Lord. I am glad the chattering, bickering and blame-game have ended. The hearings on prime time were very boring, showing the same footage of a burnt-out house every evening.

Mr Editor, all these advocates for children rights should hang their heads in total shame, as the deplorable conditions at Armadale have gone unnoticed for many years. The assigned governmental ministerial bodies and those so-called child advocates are the appropriate ones to be held responsible for the fire that killed seven teenagers, some sustaining lifelong injuries and scars at Armadale. This should not happen in the first place. Why does everyone seem to care now with all the added superficial sympathy?

Not proactive

In this country we are very reactive and not proactive. This enquiry proved nothing as many homes for juveniles across the islands are still dilapidated, infested by rodents and insects, insanitary conditions exist, awaiting another disaster. Will there be more round-table enquiry of this nature should a repeat occur?

I am giving advice to the so-called advocates, whether in or outside the just-concluded enquiry. Why not visit the existing homes across the island now in similar conditions to ensure a non-repeat of a similar holocaust? The time spent attending enquiries every day is like crying over spilt milk, as no one can change history.

There must be proactive measures by putting in precautionary systems for the existing homes in the country housing juveniles. These homes should have comprehensive fire drills, extinguishers and ceiling-sprinkler systems. Installation of security response systems and, preferably, female security officers should be in place should thieves find a facility vulnerable to steal or physically abuse teenagers who reside in these homes.

The Armadale enquiry has proven meaningless and incomprehensible.

I am, etc.,

Delroy R. Lawrence

fortis-forever@hotmail.com