Senate observes moment of silence for babies that died at VJH

The Senate this morning observed a moment of silence in remembrance of a reported 24 babies who died at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) in Kingston in recent weeks.

Opposition Senator Lambert Brown made the request for the observance, as he also paid his respects to more than 200 babies he said have died at the hospital since 2023.

"I am hearing reports of the tragic deaths of scores of babies at Victoria Jubilee Hospital, and invite us as a Senate to stand in a minute silence in honour of those children who have died, and in expressing condolences to the mothers and families of nearly 200 children who have died at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in the last two years," said Brown.

"They are the greatest gift to the world, and we should acknowledge their passing. If we choose Jamaica, let us choose Jamaican children who have died in such situations in the same way we chose to pay respect to the 113 dead in Dom Rep," he continued, referencing the nightclub tragedy that claimed the lives of 113 people in that country.

Deputy president of the Senate Charles Sinclair agreed that the moment of silence should be observed.

However, he pointed out that the health authorities have noted that "what would have caused the situation is not one which relates to any intrusion of, let us say, bacteria or otherwise, but would appear to be more of natural causes."

"But I agree with you on the loss of life of a newborn would be something depressing to any mother any family," he added in inviting members of the Senate to observe the moment of silence.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie on Thursday confirmed an increase in the number of newborn deaths at the VJH since June.

"The Ministry of Health and Wellness has reviewed the deaths at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital Special Care Nursery since the beginning of June 2025. There has been an increase compared to the previous months and to the same period last year. The deaths are not attributed to an outbreak of infection at the facility," she said in a statement on the issue.

- Corey Robinson

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