Baby-tossing mother says she has changed
BLUEFIELDS, Westmoreland -The young mother caught on video tossing her baby aside during a fight is breathing a sigh of relief that her child will not have to grow up in State care.
According to 21-year-old Kimiya “Brittney” Barton, she complied with the Child Protection and Family Services Agency’s (CPFSA) directive and handed over her 18-month-old daughter on October 27.
“I get back the baby, but not me. An aunty by the father’s side get the baby because the baby cannot come back in the community,” she said of the infant she calls Twinkle or Pinky.
Barton said she is thrilled to once again have access to her child. She said she showered her with hugs and kisses when they were reunited.
“When I saw her I said, ‘Twinkle’ and she look back and start to cry. I kiss her, hug her, and take a lot of pictures with her. I feel happy when I saw my baby and that I get to hold her again,” a joyful Barton told the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday.
But it’s still hard to fall asleep at night without her baby beside her, she said. According to her, she has taken to sleeping at “people yard for comfort”.
Barton is also miffed that she was the only one officially charged for participating in the brawl seen in a video that went viral.
Barton, baby in hand, was seen in a fist-fight with two women. Shortly after the baby was tossed onto the pavement, she quickly grabbed the child by its clothing with one hand, picked up an object with the other and threw it at her opponent, and the fighting continued. A crowd could be heard in the background cheering on the women.
On Tuesday, she complained that she was still being bullied by the women in the video.
She also said she has turned her life around.
“I am changed; really, really changed. First time I did not really go church but from the incident happened I said, ‘Father, this is not me. Mi a go church,’ ” she shared.
The mother of two also expressed gratitude to the people who helped her during her ordeal.
“I want to say thanks to the whole Jamaica that was on my side. Thanks to CPFSA,” said Barton.