The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is expressing shock at Sunday’s incident in St Elizabeth in which a one-year-old girl was shot after her three-year-old sibling allegedly gained access to their fathers’ service firearm.

The agency expressed relief that the child survived the incident and extended wishes for her full and speedy recovery. But Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager of the CPFSA, Kristen Laing, said the incident should never have occurred.

“We are absolutely shocked by what has happened. The reported circumstances are particularly troubling, given that the firearm belonged to a police officer, someone who, more than anyone else, should understand the importance of proper firearm handling and storage through professional training,” she said.