Dancehall artistes Mr Vegas and Prince Reignn have rallied to the aid of Doreen Dyer, who has been at the centre of a video in which she is seen beating her 12-year-old daughter with what appears to be a machete.

Vegas journeyed to St Thomas where he met with the mother.

“It felt good to show kindness to this lady who has been so kind to many members of my community. Everybody know “Da” as a wonderful person. Don’t be so quick to judge to others, because you never know when you may be walking in their shoes. I am asking other artistes to help contribute in whatever way they can towards her legal expenses,” Prince Reignn said.

Mr Vegas said he was against the mother’s action when the video first broke out on social media. However, he noted that he does not believe that jail is the best solution for the family, even though he does not condone her beating a 12 year-old with a cutlass. He has offered to assist with Dyer’s legal expenses as she is set to answer to charges of child cruelty.

“A lot of people out there condemning Miss Doreen. A lot of people angry, which is understandable. If Miss Doreen were to see someone handling their child in that manner she would be angry too, but we’re all humans. I’m begging the judge from now to have some mercy on Miss Doreen and let her repair whatever is or was broken with her family. People will learn from their mistakes. We all deserve second chances,” he said.

Sheryl Jones, Dyer’s 21-year-old daughter, said that her mother is grateful for the support.

“I just want to thank the artistes, Prince Reignn — who I grew up with — who came by with two bags of groceries and some money, and to Mr Vegas who has offered to help with the legal expenses. The family is grateful to the entire community of Bath and for the support and love of many well-wishers,” she said.

— Simone Morgan-Lindo