Government moves quickly to assist burnt teen

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 2nd January, 2016……Three arms of the government of Prime Minister Gaston Browne have moved quickly to mobilize resources to assist a female teenager who was allegedly set alight by her mother, resulting in her sustaining second and third degree burns about 60% of her body.

Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, upon hearing of the incident, immediately instructed his Ministers of Health and Social Transformation to utilize the government’s resources to ensure that the teenager receives the best possible care and that her sibling be placed in the most appropriate care available.

Health Minister the Hon. Molwyn Joseph, who has remained in constant contact with the medical team at the Mount St. John Medical Centre revealed that the teen is in need of urgent treatment abroad. He has therefore instructed the Medical Director and the Chief Medical Officer to proceed with arrangements to fly the patient to the nearest burn centre either in Jamaica or Florida to receive specialist treatment.

Social Transformation Minister and Minister responsible for Youth, the Hon. Samantha Marshall called the incident tragic and outlined that it highlights the need for persons to be more vigilant in their communities and be their neighbours keeper. “Incidents of these kinds are occurring far too often within our communities without the authorities being alerted. This incident brings home the point that we all must be sensitive to domestic and child abuse and abuse of any kind and adopt a ‘report what we see’ attitude to protect the vulnerable,” Minister Marshall said.

Minister Marshall said that her has been given instructions to ensure that the welfare of the victim and her sibling are addressed in the best possible manner.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene has expressed shock at the developments and pointed out that he will be working closely with his colleagues to ensure that the teen, who is known in cultural circles in Antigua and Barbuda, is given the best possible care.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that incidents of these types are not repeated in Antigua and Barbuda. Our Christian upbringing and values demand that we protect those who are within our care and those who are at risk of abuse of any kind,” Minister Greene commented.

It is alleged that the mother of the teenager doused her with a flammable liquid and set her alight causing burns around sixty percent of her body. (Ends)