It’s literally difficult to fit the size six shoes of her former boss, but chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Rosalee Gage-Grey, yesterday vowed to continue Mary Alison McLean’s vision to help realise a Jamaica fit for children.

McLean, a former head of the Child Development Agency (CDA), which has since been merged with the Office of the Children’s Registry to form the CPFSA, died on June 1 after ailing for some time.

Tribute after tribute, either delivered in person at the agency’s office or via Zoom, painted McLean as the consummate professional who was a passionate advocate for child rights.

Former Director of Children and Family Programmes Winston Bowen first met McLean in 2002 when she commenced duties as the project manager at the Ministry of Health.

“She discharged her duty with commitment, dedication and a high level of professionalism,” he said of his former colleague who he credited for establishing the Office of the Children’s Advocate, the establishment of the Children’s Registry and the development of the Child Care and Protection Act 2004.