Member of Parliament for West Portland, Daryl Vaz, told The Gleaner yesterday that Prime Minister Bruce Golding has instructed him that all the funeral arrangements should be carried out by the State.

"We are currently in the process of meeting with the families to decide on the way forward," he said.

Vaz noted that assistance from the Government would greatly ease the financial burden that the families would have to bear.

"The families are in a sombre mood, it is a very sad time for the communities," he said. Eight of the people who died - including a mother and her son - came from the community of Millbank while the others are from Comfort Castle, Ginger House and Seaman's Valley.

Fund for affected kids

For the children left behind by the tragedy, Vaz told The Gleaner that serious consideration was being given to establishing a fund.

The number of children robbed of at least one parent is still uncertain, he said.

"We are in the middle of exploring this idea, but we would require the assistance of private-sector entities," he said.

Late yesterday, Vaz told The Gleaner he had received several offers from private-sector entities which pledged assistance with funeral costs. Some also committed to make contributions to the fund for children of the deceased.