It was a historic and proud moment for the Barnswell family from Clarendon, when the husband and wife team of Councillor Scean Barnswell and Danielle Anna-Marie Barnswell stood on the dais at King’s House Monday morning to accept their national award – the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

The occasion was the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards.

The Barnswells were among 149 Jamaicans who were honoured for outstanding contributions in various fields.

The two were recognised for their “quick and courageous” actions that led to the rescue of a six-year-old girl who was reportedly abducted from the St Thomas More Preparatory School in May Pen Clarendon on December 9 last year.

“In growing up you’re told to mind your business but in Jamaica, the children are all our business so in this case I’m happy we did that and I wouldn’t change anything,” said Mrs Barnswell during rehearsals for Monday’s ceremony.

Scean Barnswell is the councillor for the Hayes division in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation and a former Mayor of May Pen. He is looking to return to that position as the balance of power in the corporation recently swung from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

This came after the JLP-elected councillor for the May Pen North division, Tanya-Lee Williams, resigned from the JLP, giving the PNP a clear 12-10 majority in the corporation. The PNP has stated that this gives it the right to appoint the mayor and deputy mayor but a court injunction granted last Friday has stalled those plans. The PNP has said it will be going back to court.

According to reports from December 2025, Barnswell and his wife spotted a man walking with a small child along Bustamante Highway and, sensing something was wrong, immediately intervened. Their actions resulted in the safe recovery of the child and the capture of the suspect, who was arrested by the police.

In a statement at the time, the PNP described the incident as an act of humanity, noting that Councillor Barnswell showed decisive, selfless leadership in a moment of crisis. The party said his response reflected the values of community vigilance and public service and urged others to do likewise.

WATCH: Barnswell honoured for rescuing abducted six-year-old

The PNP also expressed gratitude to members of the public who raised the alarm and commended the Jamaica Constabulary Force for its swift response.

“It emphasised the importance of strong community–police partnerships in protecting children and preventing crimes of this nature,” the party said.

-Lynford Simpson