KINGSTON, Jamaica - The local management of US fast-food franchise Burger King recently treated children in State care as part of it’s contribution to the commemoration of Jamaica’s 50th Independence anniversary.

A total of 670 children from homes in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine and St James were picked up from their residences and transported to one of three Burger King stores — King Street in Kingston, Greater Portmore, and Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay.

Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna included a visit to the King Street branch as part of the Jamaica 50 schedule and interacted with the children, whose care and protection fall within her Ministry’s portfolio responsibilities.

“It felt good to celebrate with our children and their caregivers. To sit with them and hear them speak about Independence and what Jamaica 50 means to them will be forever in my memory," Hanna said.

Children from eighteen homes were treated, including Glenhope, Maxfield Park, Alpha Boys, Best Care Lodge, Worthy Park, Yadel Girls Home, Sunbeam Boys Home, SOS children's Village, Melody House and Home of Charlotte.

The minister urged more companies to include the well-being of Jamaica’s children, especially those in the protection of the state, in their outreach and corporate social responsibility activities.

In a statement, Newton Douglas, acting chief executive officer of the Child Development Agency (CDA), thanked Burger King for its gesture.

"We were touched by the way the staff welcomed, served and interacted with the children, making them feel very special. It is commendable that a member of corporate Jamaica has joined the CDA as a partner in supporting and uplifting our children. This is critical in the effort to encourage their development and build our nation," said Douglas.