Preliminary Report on Drop-In Centre fire handed over

The Preliminary Report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire at the Hadfield Street Drop-In Centre, which resulted in the deaths of two young children, was on Friday handed over to Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon, at the Ministry of the Presidency by Commissioner, Retired Colonel Windee Algernon.

Minister Harmon said the report will now be passed on to President David Granger for his perusal, while the final one will be sent to Cabinet when it has been received. The final report is expected on August 15, 2016.

During this week’s ‘Public Interest’ television programme, President Granger assured that if any person is found culpable of gross negligence or dereliction of duties, they will be held accountable.

“If any persons are culpable of gross negligence or dereliction of duties, yes we will make a judgment as to whether they are fit to hold those positions and if you equate that with rolling of heads, then yes but the aim is to prevent a reoccurrence, ” the President said.

Six-year-old Antonio George and two-year-old Joshua George, perished in the July 7, 2016, fire after they became trapped in a section of the building. The Drop-In Centre, which is managed by the Child Care and Protection Agency, at the time of the tragedy, housed 28 children and two adults.