Dear Editor,

On the morning of October 20, 2017, at around 12:28 am, my son and I were inside reviewing for tests which he had that morning at school when we heard voices on the outside. My son took a peek outside and saw two men in black, with caps on. He took up the phone to call 119. I said to him why; what are you going to tell them? He said, “Mom, remember they stole the tyres off our car already. I said OK. Then I tried to peek, but was too scared fearing they might have guns. What got us worried was what we heard one of them say, “A yah suh di car always park.”

My son called 119 approximately 12:30 am. A woman answered and he said, “Goodnight, I am calling,” and interrupted by the operator who I will quote, “Go to your bed,” and hung up the phone.

I took the phone and called back immediately and the same voice answered. I said, “I would like to make report,” again she hung up. Of note, my number is private.

My 10-year-old started to cry because, obviously, we weren’t going to be getting help from the ones who swore to serve and protect.

My husband, who comes home at that time of the night, was on his way home. So I texted him to find out if he was expecting anyone at that time of the night and told him what was happening. He called to say he was just about to turn into the driveway when he heard the text. He reversed and called the police who told him to stay where he was as a patrol was in the area and will come to him. Though this took a little less than 25 mins for them to come, it seemed an eternity. They came, escorted him in, and then combed the area.

Thanks to these officers.

Words fail me in saying how disappointed and appalled I am at the operator who worked that night. That person should be removed. She did not take the time to listen to the plea of a child who was or may have been in serious trouble. I will be advocating for her removal and will take it as far as I can.

My son, who has always respected the police, is now looking differently at 119. My son is a bright boy who aspires to be a pathologist, yet when careers’ day comes around he always opts to dress as a police officer — not anymore.

A word to the operators: Listen to what people are calling about, whether adults or children, and decipher facts from fiction. I believe you are trained to do so, and if no training had been given before you were placed in this job, then the Government needs to formulate a training programme for those in the field and trust that with the training comes compassion.

With what is happening in our country, he could have just witnessed the murder of his parents and was reaching out for help. It could have been a domestic dispute in his home. It could have been so many things, yet an operator chose to refuse the help. Jamaica is indeed in a serious crisis if those who vow to serve and protect are turning a blind eye to the cries of our children.

I trust that the relevant authorities will address this matter and an example be set. I contine to pray for peace and love to reign in our hearts and that Jamaica will be seen as the paradise it is.

JH