The Editor, Sir:

It is with deep remorse that I feel compelled to address this matter of young children being left at home alone to face any peril that comes their way. I refer to the story carried in The Gleaner, January 1, 2007, on page A2, entitled 'Infants perish in blaze, mom sought'.

What shocked me was the recount of neighbours who knew that the children were constantly being left alone and in addition were not being taken care of properly. These children were two and four years old! Children, especially at this age, have no voice unless someone bigger speaks for them.

I am urging anyone who observes a mother or father or guardian ill-treating a child or children to inform the authorities and not wait until it costs them their lives. An old time saying goes 'who know better, do better'. Children have no control over who their parents are and if children are unfortunate enough to be born to one who is irresponsible, they are here already and somebody must see it as his or her duty to protect them ... Please protect our children whether we brought them here or not, BE our brothers keeper.

I am, etc.,

D. Morris

Belvedere Road

Red Hills