Dear Editor,

There has been much hoopla these past few weeks regarding the #deadbabiescandal. With every revelation of facts surrounding this tragedy, there is further heartbreak, confusion and sheer fury.

For 19 babies to have died at two renowned hospitals due to a bacteria outbreak is unacceptable!

There needs to be greater effort on the part of the hospitals and the Government to rectify this issue and compensate the families.

To add grave insult to injury, Minister of Health Dr. Fenton Ferguson has made a statement in Parliament that the babies were “in a sense not real babies” as they were prematurely born with underdeveloped immune systems. What blatant disrespect and insensitivity for the mothers who are grieving, the fathers who are helpless.

He should be utterly ashamed that he allowed such a careless and erroneous remark to leave his lips. The statement is saturated with ignorance and debases the value of the life of all children.

Too many ministers appear to undervalue youth and the importance of family life in nation-building. Too many ministers fail to take responsibility for their actions that cause further harm to the citizens of Jamaica. Enough is enough!

Fenton should at the very least apologise for his scant remark and be held accountable for what has been happening at the hospitals.

Life should always be valued. There is sanctity in every born and unborn child. We plead with the Government to always bear this fact in mind as they deal with the affairs of this country.

Marie V

lovemarchmovement@gmail.com