I HAVE been keenly following the public enquiry into the May 22 tragedy at the Armadale girls' home, which caused the untimely deaths of seven wards of the state. There have been charges and countercharges by individuals who have so far testified at the enquiry.

My summation, so far, is that the real blame must be leveled at those senior managers whose portfolios the juvenile correctional centres fall under. It is either they were very much out of touch with what was happening at Armadale or they just did not care. My God! someone must be brought to books for the stomach-wrenching conditions the girls had to live in at the institution.

Feet dragging

Why was the centre allowed to operate for so long without a superintendent? I doubt if the case manager was so prepared for such a huge role of running an institution of this nature. She was actually carrying out three major functions - case manager, assistant superintendent and superintendent.

Her superiors dragged their feet and left the poor lady with 'basket to carry water'.

I am, etc.,

Hortense Green

Martin Street

Spanish Town