Tributes as survivor of Kincora loses cancer battle
TRIBUTES were paid to Kincora child abuse survivor Clint Massey after he died aged 60 yesterday.
Mr Massey, who had been suffering from cancer, spent eight months in the notorious East Belfast residential home when he was 16.
Campaigner Margaret Mcguckin, who represents Survivors And Victims Of Institutional Abuse, said: “So saddened to hear early today of Kincora child abuse survivor Clint Massey passing. RIP.
“Clint was a very shy, insecure, timid man when we first met.
“Sadly missed by all your friends in Savia and further afield. God bless.”
Kincora Boys’ Home opened on Belfast’s Upper Newtownards Road in May 1958 and closed in October 1980 following the sex abuse scandal.
In 1981, three senior care workers at the institution were imprisoned.
FAILINGS
The chairman of a public inquiry into the case, Sir Anthony Hart, dismissed unfounded myths of security force or state collusion in the assaults.
No credible evidence was found of complicity in the exploitation of sex abuse at Kincora or that prominent establishment individuals were involved.
Instead, failings by the health authorities and Royal Ulster Constabulary were blamed after dozens of residents complained of being targeted.
Following the public inquiry, recommendations were made in January last year to the Northern Ireland Assembly to award compensation to victims and survivors.
However, just days after the report was published, power-sharing collapsed at Stormont meaning no government has been in place to approve the release of funds.