Triplets should get State support

IT cannot be simply left to individuals with considerable wealth to aid children in a St Elizabeth family unit, though it would be good if that could be done.

The Jamaica Observer story of bright triplets who excelled in the Primary Exit Profile examination and were placed in two of Jamaica’s finest schools, Munro College and Hampton High, was heart-warming.

I had always wanted to father triplets; or at least twins. But it never happened, and I’m not sure if that childhood dream will ever come true, worse now that the engine is not firing at full strength, having been reduced from six cylinders to four; but the reality of others having them brings me joy.

Now, the parents of these triplets have a dilemma. They, like thousands of us Jamaicans, are faced with the kind of challenges that can lead to depression and much more.

In the case of the Barretts in St Elizabeth, they did not know that they would have brought triplets into this life. It just happened. Father Dennis Barrett Sr has issues he did not plan for. Mom Tamara works, but her salary as a community health aide is a national joke.

So here is where the State comes in: The triplets — Dennis Jr, Denrique, and Tamoya — must be given full support to attend school. That cannot be the only gesture though, for the family will have to be given full nutritional backup.

For private concerns, this is a great chance for a book industry company to step forward, and a computer store to do likewise.

My geographical nose in respect of the location of the Barretts points me in the direction of St Elizabeth South Western, a constituency whose policy head is Member of Parliament Floyd Green — a bright, honest and decent young man and Munro graduate, who understands what education is all about. Who knows? This could be one of Green’s legacy projects if he decides to take the lead.