KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition spokesperson on youth, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, is demanding an immediate probe into an apparent breakdown in administration and procedures at children’s homes which saw wards of the state being exposed to alleged controversial content in a curriculum delivered by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ).

“The Opposition finds disturbing news surfacing on the weekend  … that children’s homes operating under the auspices of the Child Development Agency (CDA) (an agency operating under the Ministry of Youth & Culture) had wards being taught and exposed to controversial material on lifestyle and other sensitive issues in a JFJ-devised curriculum,” Grange said in a release from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Tuesday.

Grange added that she was alarmed that the Youth and Culture Minister was oblivious to an issue relating to agencies which fall under the state supervision.

“We find it even more disturbing however, that Youth & Culture Minister Lisa Hanna in response to the expose has demonstrated the extent to which she is unaware of key developments concerning agencies within her remit,” said Grange.

“Controversial developments under Minister Hanna’s watch have become all too frequent.  It is high time she improves her management of the portfolio, especially in light of its sensitivities, and that she provides the kind of leadership that will herald greater levels of accountability in caring for our children, and bridge existing gaps between her Ministry and its agencies.”

The Opposition Spokesperson insisted that a detailed investigation and report from the minister be presented to the country explaining how “controversial literature” could have found its way into these critical institutions.

“It is high time that a culture of accountability and professional responsibility be developed amongst those tasked with providing care and support to our nation’s children,” said Grange.