…concern raised about health effects on children
The Office of The Children’s Advocate (OCA) has taken note of reports of unidentified fumes detected in the Corporate Area. The OCA acknowledges the response by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and all other coordinating agencies, in working to identify the origin of the fumes.
The OCA is however concerned about the possible health effects the unidentified substance could have on children, particularly those in the Portmore, St. Catherine and juveniles in custody at the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre, as the authorities have reportedly detected a high concentration of the substance in the area.
While the OCA commends the efforts that the authorities have expended thus far, the Office is calling for a thorough investigation to identify the origin of the unidentified fumes, as well as a resolution to the situation in the shortest possible time in keeping with the best interests of all.
The OCA also expects the relevant authorities to implement measures that will safeguard the well being of our children who have a right to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment.
