Sunbeam boys’ home ponders next move after court win

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), under a Supreme Court directive, relocated over 40 male wards from the Sunbeam’s facility  last year. The move came after the agency conducted internal investigations into reports of abuse. Along with the removals, Sunbeam’s operating license — held for nearly 50 years — was also revoked, dealing a major blow to its status as one of the nation’s model facilities. 

The management of Sunbeam Children's Home disputed the CPFSA's actions, arguing that due process was not followed. They claimed that they were not adequately informed about the decision and that the allegations were not substantiated through proper channels.

Managing director of Sunbeam Children’s Home, Desmond Whitely, is contended with the outcome but is evidently perturbed about the allegations. In an interview, he told Old Harbour News: “Sunbeam has won the appeal and is now positioning itself to reopen the facility and will start the process to regain our license. We remain steadfast even though incidents may have occurred, those incidents have protocols that they follow. Those allegations are false. Up to now, the abuse remains allegations and has never been proven.”

In response to the ruling, Chief Executive Officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams-Thomas, clarified that the Court of Appeal's decision to overturn a prior ruling was based on a legal technicality, not a lack of evidence. She explained that the technicality involved the legal procedures for relocating children from a residential facility, and emphasized that the evidence of abuse at the home was not in question. 

Adams-Thomas also reaffirmed that the CPFSA had followed all proper protocols, noting that the original relocation of the children had been approved by both the trial judge and the then Ministry of Education and Youth.

Meanwhile, attorney-at-law Sarah Elizabeth Dixon, who represents the Sunbeam Children's Home, highlighted that the Court of Appeal dismissed the removal order, citing errors in its issuance. She also noted that the court instructed the CPFSA to bear the legal costs of both the appeal and the earlier proceedings in the Supreme Court.

As the Sunbeam Children’s Home works to recover from the fallout, Chairman Whitely maintained that the institution has been unfairly targeted and continues to suffer from the effects of what he described as exaggerated and unfounded claims. 

“The picture painted about us is ugly. They did too much to us and especially those boys. We just don’t deserve it and after all we have been through, we are prepared to pursue all the necessary avenues to restore our name and ensure justice is served,” said Whitely. 

With legal consultations underway, he emphasized that accountability should follow any harm caused and expressed concern over the emotional and reputational toll the situation has taken on both the boys and the institution.