BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth— Two policewomen were recognised Sunday for their adoption and care of children in need who they met while on duty years ago.

The women, Corporal Karen Austin and Detective Corporal Pearline Simmonds, were on Mother’s Day presented with citations and plaques at an award ceremony at the Black River police station.
The award ceremony was organised by the leadership of the St Elizabeth police headed by Superintendent Coleridge Minto.

Corporal Austin adopted a 15-year-old girl in 2012 after the child was found in the Santa Cruz market. The child was reportedly abandoned by her mother and was a victim of abuse. Austin adopted the child and assisted in her studies in university.

Detective Corporal Simmonds adopted a 13-year-old victim of incest. The child was reportedly impregnated by her father. Simmonds also rescued a foreign national who was trafficked into the island.

Both woman were commended for going above their call of duty in being mothers to children in need of care and protection.

Minto explained that upon hearing the exemplary service of the women, he coordinated the award ceremony.

“As part of the continued celebration of Mother’s Day, we decided to honour the mothers in the St Elizabeth division. We also selected two persons whose stories were outstanding. These mothers went beyond the call of duty and assisted children over many years and made their home, a home for children who they came in contact with during the course of their duties,” he said.

“Having heard their stories. We felt it important to recognise them on Mother’s Day for the good deed that they did and we are indeed excited to celebrate with them and certainly all the mothers across the parish of St Elizabeth,” added Minto.

— Kasey Williams