Parents and guardians have been reminded once again to ensure their children are always safe and under the protection of a trusted adult.
This is the call from Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya following the tragic death of a two-year-old child in Seaqaqa this week. I
n response to the incident, Ms Tabuya said she was deeply saddened to hear of the death of the toddler in a house fire.
“While we sympathise with the family and delve on the circumstances which led to this tragedy, I will reiterate the call for parental or adult supervision of children at all times, especially when they are at a tender age such as this,” she said.
“Again, I wish to remind all parents. Parental responsibility means providing a safe living environment for your child, protecting your child from abuse and other forms of harm, as well as fulfilling your child’s basic needs such as food, water, and shelter.”
Ms Tabuya said the incident in the Northern Division was a horrific reminder of how adults today found it easy to leave young children to fend for themselves while attending to other issues. “I will stress again, under no circumstances should a toddler or child be left alone or be left to be cared for by another sibling.
“This irresponsible act has in this case resulted in the premature loss of a young life. “With the many social issues regarding children prevalent in our communities today, it is imperative that our children be provided all the love and care and strong support system to help guide and empower them in their journey to become successful in the future.”
Meanwhile, Divisional Police Commander North SSP Kemueli Baledrokadroka said the post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday. “Investigations will be looking into the element of negligence, and investigators are yet to receive the fire report from the National Fire Authority,” he said.
