Jamaica’s Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has expressed profound sadness and outrage following a devastating house fire in Walkerswood, St Ann, early Sunday morning, which claimed the lives of three young siblings.
The victims—seven-year-old Tashawna Mattis, four-year-old Tashawnie Mattis, and two-year-old Tavarno Mattis—were trapped inside their home, which was reportedly lit by lamps due to the absence of electricity.
The fire, which broke out at approximately 2:24 a.m., also left the children’s grandmother and another sibling as survivors. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) confirmed the tragic deaths following cooling operations at the scene.
This marks the second house fire involving children since the beginning of the year, sparking renewed calls for vigilance and enhanced fire safety measures.
PM calls for more responsibility from guardians
Prime Minister Holness described the loss as “absolutely heartbreaking” and called for greater responsibility from parents and guardians. “Every Jamaican child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, and this tragedy highlights the critical gaps in vigilance and responsible parenting we face as a nation,” he said.
While acknowledging the economic pressures on many families, Holness emphasized that leaving children unattended, except in emergencies, is unacceptable. “While we understand the economic demands on parents, particularly single-parent households, there can be no excuse for leaving children unattended or with little or no supervision,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing energy poverty, noting that initiatives like the Solar Access Programme aim to provide safer and more reliable energy options for vulnerable households.
The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and the Ministry of Education and Youth have dispatched first responders to provide immediate assistance to the grieving family. Minister Dana Morris Dixon expressed her sorrow, saying, “The heart-breaking loss of these young lives is deeply distressing and serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities children face in cases of emergency.”
Morris Dixon added that the CPFSA team would provide grief counseling, identify other children in need of care, and offer immediate support, such as food, clothing, and assistance in replacing essential documents.
The JFB investigation revealed that the home relied on lamps for lighting due to a lack of electricity. Commissioner Stewart Beckford confirmed the fire’s devastating impact, urging families to adopt fire safety measures and avoid leaving children unattended in high-risk situations.
Holness also highlighted the government’s focus on reducing risks associated with open flames and energy poverty, a topic he addressed late last year. “This incident brings into sharp focus the need for safe and affordable electricity to meet the basic living needs of all Jamaicans,” he noted.
