HOME is a house of meaningful existence. The horrible conditions in which wards of the state live in children's homes have been well documented over the years. It is most unfortunate, regrettable and ironic that it took a tragic fire at the Armadale Correctional Centre to highlight the deplorable conditions which existed there.

I agree with the sentiments expressed in The Gleaner's editorial on Monday, of the need for a commission of enquiry serving as a fact-finding mission and to shame us into action.

The testimonies and evidence presented during the commission of enquiry revealed that the girls at Armadale were kept in unsafe, unsanitary and dehumanising conditions. The horror stories were more in keeping with those from concentration camps. Who were responsible and should be held accountable? Were they prisoners of war, there would be prosecutions for war crimes.

Predictable route

My concern, however, is that things may once again go the usual predictable route. The commission will make its recommendations and a new committee will be established to examine those recommendations which may include the suggestion for a new ministry of children's affairs. Another committee will be established to discuss how best to implement the accepted recommendations. Endless discussions, recommendations, and no implementation may lead to another tragedy due to lack of action.

We did not need a commission of enquiry to remind us that in caring for children, safety is the number-one priority. Seven girls lost their lives from the Armadale fire. What more does it require to awaken our collective consciousness and propel us into action?

We must act now, after careful thinking, and do everything to ensure that children's homes, juvenile correctional centres and places of safety are first and foremost SAFE, that is Secure, Amicable, Favourable Environments!

I am, etc.,

Dr Daive R. Facey

Christiana, Manchester

DR.Facey@gmail.com