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Search still on for baby's mother
BABY’S LUCK. A 22-year-old woman who was on the beach when this newborn baby was found in a tied plastic bag last Saturday captured the moment after the discovery.The young woman said she was on the beach with some friends when Jerome Jarreau, of Fitts Village, St James, found the baby crying in the plastic bag.After her initial hesitation the young woman snapped the photograph using her cellphone.The child was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and is said to be in excellent health.Police are still searching for her mother. (MB)(Picture taken by a Nation reader.)
Published on: 9/30/2009.
by MARIA BRADSHAW
THE IDENTITY of the mother of the newborn baby found alive in a tied plastic bag on Fitts Village Beach, St James, last Saturday, remains a mystery.
That is because the 17-year-old woman who was assisting the police in their investigations has been released.
Police Inspector Timothy Springer said the teenager was on Monday asked to accompany officers to the Holetown Station after she turned up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) that day claiming that she wanted to see the baby.
However, Springer said it was determined that she was not pregnant and had not been pregnant recently, but appeared to have undergone some level of emotional trauma. The police have sought counselling for her.
Springer also said police were still working on leads pertaining to the identity of the baby's mother.
The baby girl was found crying in a tied plastic bag under a cluster of grape trees on the beach. The umbilical cord was still attached to her.
A 22-year-old woman, who was on the beach when Fitts Village resident Jerome Jarreau found the baby, captured photos of the newborn with her cellular phone.
Saying she was hurt when she saw the helpless child in that state, she added: "My stomach just dropped when I saw her. I could not believe that someone could do something like that to a child. It is just ridiculous."
She said the baby had been on her mind since then, and while she wanted to go to the hospital to see her, she knew that would not be allowed.
Inspector Springer explained that the baby, who is under the care of the neo-natal department at the QEH, continues to thrive.
48 comment found!
THERE IS A FATHER FOR THIS CHILD ALSO : 10/7/2009
IT NEVER SEEMS TO OCCUR TO ANYONE REPORTING OR INVESTIGATING THIS TYPE OF CASE THAT MANY MORE TIMES THAN NOT THE FATHER'S ARE INVOLVED IN THE ACT AND MAY HAVE BEEN THE ONE TO HAVE ASSISTED IN THE DELIVERY AND ABANDONMENT. OR THIS CHILD IS A PRODUCT OF A CRIME AGAINST AN UNDER AGE CHILD WHO HAS A SITUATION THAT WAS PERPRETRATED ON THEM BOTH. ITS TIME SOCIETY STOP THE GENDER BIAS ON FEMALES AS THE ONE WHO ALWAYS DOES THE BABY ABANDONING JUST AS THEY ALSO HAVE THE GENDER BIAS FOR THE MALE CAST IN OF NOT BEING A RAPE VICTIM IF HE HAS BEEN. THERE IS JOINT RESPONSIBLITIES HERE FOR THE PARENTS OF THE CHILD AND THERE ARE TWO SETS OF FAMILIES THIS CHILD IS A MEMBER OF UNKNOWN AS THEY MAY BE. IF THE SITUATION IS ONE WERE A TOURIST COUPLE HAS DONE THIS AND LEFT THE ISLAND, WHAT WILL THEY DO. SHE SEEMS TOO YOUNG TO DETERMINE HER NATIONALITY FROM THE PHOTO, SO HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE SOME FAMILY THAT CAN HELP HER GET PAST THIS HURT AS SHE GROWS AND SHIELD HER FROM KNOWING THIS BECAUSE OF THE LIFE LONG DAMAGE IT COULD DO MENTALLY. THAT THIS STORY SHOULD NOT FOLLOW HER IN HER ADOPTION IF IT OCCURS. PEOPLE SOMETIMES CAN BE CRUEL TO A CHILD'S ESTEEM EVEN WHEN THEY ARE ADULTS IT CAN HARM TO KNOW THIS. SHE IS MEANT TO HAVE SURVIVED OR ELSE THEY WOULD HAVE JUST KILLED HER RATHER THAN LEAVE HER ALIVE. THEY WANTED HER TO BE FOUND. TOO BAD THEY DON'T HAVE A WAY TO PINPOINT THE FATHER TOO. NEW DNA TEST ALREADY CAN DO THIS THESE DAYS. THESE PEOPLE NEED SERIOUS HELP TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN. WE ACCEPT AS A SOCIETY THE IDEA THAT A CHILD ONLY BELONGS TO THE WOMAN THROUGH THE PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY. CHILDREN ARE FIRST BIRTHED FROM THEIR FATHERS INTO THEIR MOTHERS AND KEEPING THAT DATE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE DELIVERY DATE. CHILDREN FIRST BEING ABANDONED BY THEIR FATHERS BEFORE THEY ARE BORN IS JUST AS HARMFUL SOCIALLY AND MENTALLY, BUT SOCIETY HAS ADAPTED TO THIS FORM AS ACCEPTABLE AND LESS DAMAGING. YET WE ALL KNOW HOW GOOD IT IS WHEN FATHERS ARE SUPPORTIVE PARTNERS IN THEIR PREGNANCY AS A COUPLE.
Take this off : 10/5/2009
The baby's mother has been found. Why is this still on.
Nonsense : 10/2/2009
Someone stated that the Nation newspaper should not have a picture of the infant in the paper as Police are still "looking" into things. Looking into what things? More plastic bags with babies found abandoned to die on a beach?! What an idiot! To the Concerned Parent that criticized the Nation newspaper for publishing the picture of the infant: What was publised is Truth. If you do not like truth then stop reading the Nation newspaper and read something else!!! Or you can go to the same beach the infant was found abandoned and stick your head in the sand! There is no excuse, except for outright mental illnes, and not even that, that can condone what this mother has done to this helpless infant!! The poor child was not even placed under the tree on top of the plastic bag, but tied up in the plastic bag to suffocate! I am awaiting the outcome of this trial. She should thank God that that baby is alive and well. Thus she is not facing Murder ONE! The Child Care Board should also seek to remove from her custody the other two children as well before they get hurt.
She Looks Good : 9/30/2009
I love the picture just hope the baby don't see these articles so she won't feel not wanted. I am a little relieved because she looks healthy and is so big for a new born. How could her mother do this but these hards times may be a factor. Barbados needs to put in place a drop of spot for unwanted children. It can be at the Police Station, Hospital or Church. This may eliminate children ending up in bushes to die. I am very willing in adopting her. Rosedale, NY.
MOTHER CAME FORWARD : 9/30/2009
The Nation just reported that the mother turn herself in.
HELP! : 9/30/2009
Just last week I was discussing with a relative that I would be willing to speak to the relative government agency about the need for a "safe place" to house those women/girls who become pregnant and do NOT want the child who in these cases is the INNOCENT VICTIM. Of course counselling would be provided but at least these INNOCENT VICTIMS would not be subject to such inhumane actions like the one above. Thank God that this child was saved...how many have died in other circumstances? Only the eyes of Him "that neither slumber nor sleep" together with the mothers and those who assist can answer. These INNOCENT VICTIMS need our help NOW!
Respect : 9/30/2009
Some people willing to put their names to their words while others talk a whole lot of stuff in the dark.
PHOTO NOT IN BAD TASTE AT ALL : 9/30/2009
In a couple of weeks this baby will look nothing like this photo so what is the fuss all about, the photo makes you see, really see and feel.Readers justs want to say something good give a little out of their pockets and say all is well i have done my part with out really seeing or feeling. I would love to frame this picture to remind me that miracles do happen, i hope the mother also see it and it haunts her for life. No excuse for what she did unless she is mentally unsound,then who is responsible for her and her mental care. please accompany stories with pictures gone are the days of just reading text only readers get with it the young post pictures of themselves for the world to see and no one bat an eye. People need to see the real damage\horrors they do and maybe them we will all grow a heart, no picture no connection just like reading a fairy tale. Oops i take that back fairytales has pictures for years now.Too bad readers, time to get personnal and in your close up and guarded hearts. KUDOS TO THE NATION NEWSPAPER
Beautiful Angel! : 9/30/2009
she is so cute, how could someone try to kill her? may she be blessed and continue to thrive, and go to a loving family, that will help her to live a long happy and healthy life. whoever did this will pay, if not in this life, then in the next.
: 9/30/2009
Many of the comments on the IAN GIBSON story were directed at the examples or lack of examples of proper unbringing in the homes of the bullies. It would be interesting to see how many of the people who are ready to crucify this mother would explain this situation to their children if asked by them.
abandoned baby : 9/30/2009
Mr.Husbands...good letter.I am with you all the way!This young lady needs counselling, not lynching.
Picture : 9/30/2009
I realize the author of this article wanted to give the public a view of this beautiful infant. However, I believe the picture could have been taken in a different setting.
"HANG'EM HIGH" : 9/30/2009
To Whom It May Concern: Unlike this innocent baby I can defend myself. However the issue isn't what I say but rather what we, as a civilised society, do in response to matters such as this one. The "Judge, Jury and Executioner" mentality or as one commentor noted the "mob mentality" does not really reflect that well on us as a society. To paraphrase Socrates " the one thing that I know is that I know nothing." In this situation we know nothing yet we have concluded who did what, what happened and what should happen to who did what. Some have even gone as far as concluding what the officials have done to the baby when they haven't even acted yet. And damn to those who don't agree with the mob!!!! My earlier post was for the purpose of showing us that things are not always as they seem. Give this mother a chance to tell her side of the story. Give the police an oppurtunity to do a full investigation. Many have said that this act was inhumane. An argument may be made that our response in addressing this situation is no better.
Still Searching? : 9/30/2009
How difficult is it to find the mother of this child? Are you telling me that no one saw her pregnant and no one notices that she is no longer pregnant and minus a baby? Gee, we are so caught up in the photo of the baby that we are missing a bigger picture? What will happen to this child?
Baby Photo : 9/30/2009
Why is everyone jumpig down this lady's throat for taking the picture of the baby. I'ma a photographer who always walks with a camera in my bag and my first instinct also would be to take a picture for poof, for evidence etc. Of course, I'd be concerned about the baby's well-being, but I don't see taking the picture as such a crime. You should jump down the people who were passing judgment on the rasta fella for not believing him at first. That baby phot looks like any other baby photo. so stop being so harsh and judgmental. Try looking for the mother/father/family of the baby.
Civilised Society? : 9/30/2009
I am always hearing or reading about how "educated" Barbadians are. But after reading many of the comments regarding this story I must say that, with few exceptions, most of the people making comments exhibit a "mob mentality" in how they would deal with this situation.
A Safe Home : 9/30/2009
This beautiful little one is blessed and highly favored. Jesus has a purpose for her. Myself and a number of my friends are willing to give this angel a safe, secure home and most of all one filled with love. To the authorities - do not give her back to her mother or any family members claiming to want her as it may only mean a second attempt on her life. Marilyn Osbourne
: 9/30/2009
Nice little cherub. Betcha the 'authorities' will prolong the issue of adoption if and when the time comes. This one is for Carl Husbands...SHUT UP!
: 9/30/2009
I often question the level of some of the articles the Nation publish. How could any newspaper with any sort of journalistic intregity publish the photo of this baby. I am guessing no one but the mother saw the baby after it was born, so the baby could not be identified by her picture. Do you know how tramatic this could be for this child as she gets older. Even if the mother is identified, the cruel fact is that this childs picture will still be around. This is a crime committed upon an innocent child and her picture should not have been printed to protect her identity. Getting the picture might have been a scoop for the Nation newspaper, but their level of journalistic intregity has reached an alltime low. Bajanjoy,N.Y.
Judge : 9/30/2009
Yes someone has been charged, but I will say this one thing I will not judge the individual, as I don not know the circumstances. While I am not condoning or finding justification, this is not normal behaviour and it suggests to me that this woman needs help. People are just lynching out judgment and we are oft forgetting that pregnancy is not an easy experience. One minute you are sane and the next you can trip. My thing is I am grateful to the almighty that kid was found and is thriving. I hope that many of us dont ever find ourselves in positions where we are judged by mankind for our actions whether rite or wrong. To the nation news, this picture serves no purpose other than sensationalism. Every baby at child birth looks the same.
Angel of God : 9/30/2009
It's really sad that some one could really born a little angel of god and then leave it to die.but i am really happy that Mr Jarreau was their at the time to rescued the angel.i dont think the lady took the photo to used it badly or to cause any harm i think she wanted to have proved of what she saw,and i also hope the mother is found soon so action and help can be taken against her.i only hope the authorities would allow Mr.Jarreau and all those who was involved to see the baby.we bajan just have to stop bashing one another and thank god we have people like Mr Jarreau around.
I just love bajans : 9/30/2009
I just love bajans instead of trying to be helpful we all just judging. The think is to find the person hat gave birth, because it could be a teenage girl, a woman that was raped and got pregnant or a person with deep emotional or mental problem's I'm not saying what they did was right but speaking as some person who as a child and found out they where pregnant at 4 months it's a hard thing to come to terms with if you didn't plan it. you have no idea of the person emotional or mental state. So i'm going to ask the questions does any one know of a you girl or woman who has been pregnant in the last 2 months or has been showing signs of being pregnant because they could try to kill or hurt themselves once what they did starts to make since in there own head. please lets try to find this person it could be your sister or aunt or your child school friend or the young girl next door or your own child.
Heartbreaking : 9/30/2009
The image we all may have had in our heads is now replaced by this very factual image. Did we need to see this...? not sure... but it is the truth. Is this responsible journalism....? I'm no expert but I hardly doubt it. This child even though abandoned has now had iTs privacy invaded by the image that is in this paper. My heart breaks for this child and this image of her .... tells the hard, cold, sad truth. No one can doubt that God worked through Jerome to save that child. God bless little 'Shekinah', God bless Jerome.
Dissapointment : 9/30/2009
I am dissapointed to see a newborn abandoned but even more dissapointed that someone saw it fit to take a photo of this. 'When your stomach drops' when you see such a sight, you dont make the situation worse by taking a photo! Shame on the Nation Newspaper for printing this photo. You should know better.Have a moral compass. What does the photo add to the story? Newborns have rights as well!!
TO ABAJANWOMAN: : 9/30/2009
My reference to the documentary was not for the purpose of suggesting that this was what occurred in this case but rather to show that everything is not always as it seems. To paraphrase Socrates "...the only thing that I do know is that I know nothing at all." I don't know the facts in this case and neither do you. For example, wasn't it initially reported that the newborn was of a certain race which later turned out to be incorrect. I certainly am not condoning the actions here. However, my personal and professional experiences have taught me that it is always best to refrain from condemnation until I know the full story. For instance, what if this mother is mentally challenged should we not afford her some kind of leniency? Isn't such leniency given to mentally challenged individuals who kill people? And for the record, in the documentary, one woman gave birth while using the bathroom and the child came out and fell into the tiolet and the mother was so shocked and did nothing. In another case, the child came out and fell on a hard, dirty floor and struck its head and again the mother in disbelief did nothing. Fortunately, as is the case here, other people came and tended to those babies. So again I say that as a civilised society let us refrain from condemnation until we know all the facts. After we know all the facts then we as a civilised society will determine the appropriate course to take in this matter...we have always done so and we always will.
my opinion : 9/30/2009
From what I understand the girl that went to the hospital wanted to see the child it never said anything about her being the mother. In my opinion the nation should not have the baby in the paper. The police are still looking into things
baby's mother : 9/30/2009
The cellphone picture of that young lady as she lay dying in the streets during the election unrest in Iran was accepted by the whole world. The picture told part of the story about the Election, Shocking as it was.this picture also is part of the story. The outcome is less tragic. this is how the news is reported today we also have the right to turn it off if we are displeased.
Search still on for baby's parents : 9/30/2009
The young woman is correct to have taken the photograph. And the Nation is correct to have published it. Maybe, just maybe, the photograph will help the authorities to find the natural parents (note the plural) and the authorities may be able to take a medical history of the parents, and to place the child appropriately with an adoptive or foster family or mother who is willing and able to raise the child. Parhaps a member of the child's natural family would be happy to raise the child.
God Guide people to the Right Place : 9/30/2009
I don't understand why people are blaming the young lady for taking a picture. This is a form of evidence to the story. She did what she taught at the moment was right. This actually makes people feel how she felt when she was at the Beach. It is sad that a mother could do such a thing to an innocent baby. There are other ways to give up the baby if the mother did not want it such as adoption. I hope they find the mother so that she can explain herself for the act committed.
Civilised Society : 9/30/2009
It was indeed fortunate that this child was found alive and well, and the young man who discovered her deserves the thanks of a grateful society. Don't worry about the initial reactions of the bystanders, or the initial reports. Although the authorities may never determine the identity of the mother (or the father for that matter), the child is safe, and that is what matters.
: 9/30/2009
A beautiful baby...Thanks for the photo... Now let us all pray for this innocent little jewel and for her mother who must have been really disturbed to have been forced into such action. It must have been very difficult for her. Don't Judge Her
Search still on for baby's mother : 9/30/2009
The point is that whoever the mother is, she was able to give birth and then put the child in a plastic bag and tie it and leave her in the bushes. Now tell me how can you put this on the same level as someone being pregnant and unaware and or giving birth in unnatural circumstances, in this case its what happened after the birth, she intended to kill that innocent child so I feel she should be charged with attempted murder. Even if the baby was left in the bushes wrapped in cloth or even in the same bag but not tied, it was only the mercy of the Lord above that saved that child from suffocating then sent an angel to find it. I'm not judging anyone but the bible said "touch not the Lord's annointed", pick sense from that.
Baby Pictures : 9/30/2009
In consideration of the child's well-being(now and future), Nation News should remove this picture and refrain from publishing any other pictures of this type. The person who took the original photographs should turn them over to the police and not circulate them any further.
Abandoned Baby! : 9/30/2009
Why are you all getting on the lady who took the photo. She is not the sick one that give birth to that gave birth precious baby and dumped her. Every one is on her because she took a picture.I just hope that the baby will never see the picture. Lighten up people! Concern Bajan!
Is thus Picture of this childa minor and victim of a crime Legal : 9/30/2009
Is it not illegal to publish pictures of minor who are victims of crime. Does not the constitution protect thes children? shame of the 22 year old who while her bell drop at the site of the child could still reach for her cell phone and take tis picture and shame on the nation Noew who know that this baby is a minor and a victim of a very serious crime. You journalist need to go out there and look for real news to report. ashamed bajam
Baby's luck : 9/30/2009
To Carl Husbands.. the documentary that you watched ocncerning women who did not know they were pregnant and 'freak' out when they gave birth did it mentioned some of them abandoning their newborn in a plastic bag and putting it under the bushes in a hot tropical beach?? Did it Mr. Husbands.. you and people like you also always want people to find sympahty for people who do crap... I suppose you also want people to understand the bullies who helped caused the death of a young man.. or what about the mother in the USA who kept her son in the wardrobe beaten and straved and burnt... Honestly I could have done without seeing the photo I agree that the Nation should not have publised it since the matter is under investigation, shame on you Nationnews.. you are behaving like a trashy tabolid...
Photo of baby : 9/30/2009
The full article in the print newspaper says that the young lady hesitated before she took the photo. Also I do not think (at least hope) that she was paid for the photo, she was obviously very upset about the incident. Maybe she took it for evidence, after all what was done to this child was a crime. As for the mother, I will not condemn her, what she did was very very x infinity wrong (even evil) but I hope once located she will receive the care she needs (medical and physchological) and face the legal consequences of her action. May God continnue to bless Jerome Jarreau, he is a hero, and may he bless this wonderful miracle baby.
Baby's luck : 9/30/2009
I am reading your article about the 22 year old woman who was on the beach when she was approached by Mr. Jarreau for assistance, I read in a previous article that Mr. Jarreau had difficulty getting assistance even going to a nearby business trying to get help, I would have thought this woman's first instincts would have been to call the emergency number for an ambulance instead of taking a picture with her "cellular" phone.
: 9/30/2009
Amen.
: 9/30/2009
I hope and pray the birth mother is found, her mental health would be a great concern to me as a family therapist. The baby is beautiful, seeing her in the plastic bag is a surreal feeling. I hope she will be placed at least temporarily, with a family who will be able to give her a better start than what she had. God bless the little fighter. Bajan in Canada
Search still on for baby's mother : 9/30/2009
I really cannot believe that the Nation printed this picture, this is ridiculous, you people are so insensitive, this was absolutely unnecessary. To the young lady who took the picture, I hope you were paid well for being so insensitive, we really didn't need to see this....steups!!
: 9/30/2009
This is so sad.
PLEASE COME FORWARD : 9/30/2009
As a civilised society we can not condone the actions of what was done to this innocent baby. However, we, as a civilised society, must also refrain from condemning the mother of this baby without fully knowing the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. I was recently reminded of a documentary shown on cable tv involving women who were unaware that they were pregnant and ended up giving birth in the most unusual circumstances. None of the women, their spouses, boyfriends, parents or friends knew or suspected that these women were pregnant. Most of them "freaked out" when they gave birth. Most, if not all of us, do not know what happened in this incident. As a civilised society let us give this mother the oppurtunity without castigation to tell her story. To the mother of this baby, you may not be able to change your actions but your story may change the lives of many women and men, young or old, who might be facing similar situations in their lives. If you or your family are afraid to come forward by yourself then seek assistance from your religious leader or member of parliament or doctor or lawyer. Please come and tell your story and we, as a civilised society, will listen.
Wasting police time! : 9/30/2009
This is an emotional story. Most people would feel affected but we don't go about wasting police time. She should be charged!
: 9/30/2009
Why would your newspaper publish this photo? This shows very poor taste. What happen to protecting our innocent?
Black to the Core : 9/30/2009
Brown (High brown,Yellow) skin gal come back & take your baby. This is such a sad case. Here in South Florida, you can take your baby to the nearest Fire House within 24 hrs., if born outside the hosp, no ? asked. You all like to adopted some of the states bad habits, try adopting this good one.. It really works. I hope & pray that the mum get some help soon..psychologically. & a good family or person would adopt that precious bundle. happy hunting.
No Mystery : 9/30/2009
The new born baby girl most likely belongs to a person who is vacationing here. How much thinking we have to do to come to that conclusion. I hope that someone will take the child until his mother decides that she wants to adopt. Check around for such a plastic bag; it is not "Red Plastic Bag."
Little Moses. : 9/30/2009
This baby here is little Moses and I really hope the state don't not allow ANYONE to make claims to this child. This is a warning from God as He watched over this child and caused that young man to "stumble" on this infant. My fear is that if the state allow the biological "mother" to have this child, she may succeed in her second attempt to take its life. If the state set a fund to finance this child physical and educational development, I will surely make donation as needs permit me. Let me say here though, I storngly feel that female who went to the QEH pretending to be the mother should be charged for deception. The police and QEH officials need to have her charged .
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