KINGSTON, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness is calling for increased vigilance of children in order to prevent catastrophic events such as fire, which he says can be prevented.

The prime minister’s statement follows the deaths of eight-year-old Javinci Palmer and his one-year-old brother Tyler McLeod last Friday in a fire at their home in the community of Paradise in Norwood, St James.

Holness expressed sadness at the boys’ passing and reiterated the need for greater parental supervision.

In a statement, he urged parents to meet their obligation to ensure the safety and protection of their children.

The prime minister said many of these fires are the result of negligence and a lack of attention to fire hazards. 

“Exposed flames are a danger to children and their use should be discounted with immediacy. Fire hazards such as candles, kerosene lamps, exposed electrical wiring; flammable items, accelerants and all other such hazards should be removed in all instances, and kept out of the reach of children where necessary,” he stated.

Holness also encouraged parents not to leave children unattended at any time or in the care of another minor.

“Supervision is important to prevent these disasters; we must ensure the safety of our children is always our foremost concern,” he said.