THE LEAD STORY in yesterday's STAR about two unsupervised infants who were burned to death in a fire at their home in Duhaney Park, St. Andrew teaches several very painful lessons.At the forefront of these is that parents should always ensurethat some one reliable is looking after their children.
The sad thing is that there have been several instances in Jamaica where children left alone have perished in fires.
Almost always, the guardians are to be blamed yet this story identifies some of the desperate situations in which Jamaican single mothers can find themselves. Like this mother, many Jamaican women are forced to make difficult choices because of the need to survive. Still, one can argue that difficult situation or not, two small children should not be left at home alone.
Other media houses have indicated that children were left at home with someone who locked them inside and went to a funeral, but while this partially absolves the mother, it alsoraises issues of trust and responsibility.
Who should bear ultimate blame? The police will eventually determine that.
However, in the end, it may not even matter. The crushing loss of two young lives will forever scar the mother, her partner and the community.
Prevention is the best option. So, parents and guardians take heed. Hold on to your young ones and properly supervise them.
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