Scores of people gathered at the mass gravesite for the Eventide Home for the Aged fire victims at Heroes Circle in Kingston this morning, marking an official National Day of Remembrance.

The fire, which occurred 46 years ago today, and has been described as Jamaica’s most profound human disaster, claimed the lives of an estimated 153 women after the fire gutted the facility.

The official cause of the fire remains unknown.

Speaking at the Floral Tribute, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie noted that while the disaster garnered widespread local and international attention, it also catalysed major changes in how vulnerable people are treated.

There are at least 20 survivors of the Eventide fire who are residing at the Vineyard Town Golden Aged Home.

Mr. McKenzie said that today’s remembrance also symbolises the Holness Administration’s commitment to ensuring that persons in the vulnerable population are cared for and protected.