People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker for St Andrew North Central Christopher Henry has expressed deep sorrow at the tragic passing of five-year-old Kimberly Harrison, who lost her life in a house fire Wednesday afternoon on Whitehall Avenue.

“Our hearts are heavy with grief for Kimberly and her family during this unimaginable time. Losing a young life under such circumstances is a pain no family should endure,” Henry said.

Henry, in a statement, said the tragedy highlights what he said were critical infrastructure and emergency response gaps in Kingston and St. Andrew. He said that with the area’s population density and steady growth, the need for additional fire stations is urgent.

“The lack of a fire station within proximity to Whitehall Avenue may have cost precious time in saving young Kimberly’s life,” he said, claiming that poor road maintenance along the avenue exacerbated the delay in response.

“The gridlock caused by the deplorable condition of the road delayed access for emergency responders. This underscores the urgent need for road rehabilitation to ensure that first responders can act swiftly and efficiently in times of crisis,” he said.

Henry is calling for immediate action to address what he said were critical issues.

“We cannot wait for another tragedy to act. We must prioritise the safety of our residents by investing in infrastructure, improving emergency services, and addressing road conditions across Kingston and St Andrew,” he said.

He also extended heartfelt condolences to Kimberly’s mother, Shelly-Ann Bruce and the wider family and pledged to work tirelessly to advocate for the necessary changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.