PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Aug 27, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government Wednesday said that the independent expert panel convened to review the circumstances surrounding the death of six-year-old school child, Jasher Francois, has submitted its report.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar had ordered the “urgent and thorough investigation” into the death with Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe announcing that he had taken immediate steps to ensure transparency and accountability.
François, who died on August 8, had been admitted to the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, south of here, after being admitted for a mild cough.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said while the expert panel “has now presented its findings, it is important to note that a statement from the parents…was not received during the extension period granted to the panel”.
The ministry said that in keeping with its commitment to transparency, equity and diligence, “the Office of the Chief Medical Officer has formally reached out Jasher’s parents to ensure their perspective is captured as part of this process.
“This step is essential to ensure that the review is conducted with the highest degree of fairness, care and sensitivity”.
The ministry said it is taking the opportunity once again to extend condolences to the family ‘during this very difficult time and reaffirms its commitment to conducting this review with integrity and compassion”.
On the day of his death, Jasher’s parents, Aaron and Amy François, released an emotional video questioning what went wrong and demanding answers. They said they took a regularly healthy Jasher to the hospital for a dry cough and that he was alert and showed no signs of critical illness.
Jasher’s parents had requested an independent autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre and filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for all records relating to Jasher’s care.
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