Jamaica: Prime Minister Expresses Regret at untimely passing of Young Mother

#KINGSTON, April 27 (JIS):  Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has expressed his sincere regret at the untimely passing of the 23-year-old young mother, Jodian Fearon.

            Ms. Fearon died at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), about six hours after delivering her first child at the Spanish Town Hospital. She was initially scheduled to undergo a Caesarean section at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston.

            It is reported that she showed signs similar to those of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and was refused admittance.

            The Government, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has launched an investigation into the matter.

            Speaking at a digital press conference on Monday (April 27) at Jamaica House, the Prime Minister called on Jamaicans to remember their humanity in this trying time, based on what took place.

            “It is truly a trying time for all of us; for the entire world, but we must never forget our humanity, and we must never forget that there is a power that will see us through all of this,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister said that the death of Ms. Fearon is personally upsetting to him. 

            “Even at this early stage, from the information in the public domain so far, it appears that the duty of care owed to Jodian Fearon was not executed. The case must be fully investigated, and already, the police have commenced their own investigation to determine if anyone was criminally negligent,” he said.

            The Attorney General is expected to provide advice on the matter tomorrow (April 28).

In the meantime, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has also expressed his regrets.

            “This represents for me, one of the saddest moments in the series of events which have seen many challenges associated with this particular threat,” Dr. Tufton said.

            “I am indeed saddened by the occurrence which has led up to young Jodian Fearon’s untimely passing, and all of us in the Ministry of Health and Wellness… are understandably upset about the incident,” he added.  

JIS News by AINSWORTH MORRIS